(1) The Returning Officer shall retain the packets of sealed documents as mentioned in rule 38 in secured place or as directed by the Election Commission, until the expiry of one year from the date of the election or till the conclusion of an election petition, if any is pending, whichever is later, and shall then, subject to any direction given by the Election Commission cause them to be destroyed.
(2) A candidate may apply to the Returning Officer for inspection or supply of certified copies of any document relating to an election other than mentioned at (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) and (g) in Rule 38 on payment of Rs. 5/- by means of adhesive Stamps and such certified copies shall be supplied in accordance with the procedure to be followed for similar application in respect of case dealt with by a Revenue Officer.