(1) The Election Commission may appoint one or more persons
to assist any returning officer in the performance of his functions:
Provided that every such person shall be 1[an officer of Government or of a local authority.]
(2) Every assistant returning officer shall, subject to the control of the returning officer, be competent to perform all or any of the functions of the returning officer:
Provided that no assistant returning officer shall perform any of the functions of the returning officer which relate 2*** to the scrutiny of nominations 3*** unless the returning officer is unavoidably prevented from performing the said function.
Provided that every such person shall be 1[an officer of Government or of a local authority.]
(2) Every assistant returning officer shall, subject to the control of the returning officer, be competent to perform all or any of the functions of the returning officer:
Provided that no assistant returning officer shall perform any of the functions of the returning officer which relate 2*** to the scrutiny of nominations 3*** unless the returning officer is unavoidably prevented from performing the said function.
1. Subs. by Act 47 of 1966, s. 23, for "an officer of Government" (w.e.f. 14-12-1966). 2. Certain words omitted by Act 27 of 1956, s. 10 (w.e.f. 28-8-1956). 3. The words "or to the counting of votes" omitted by s. 10, ibid. (w.e.f. 28-8-1956).