(1) On the date fixed for the scrutiny of nomination papers of the candidates, under rule 61, one person proposed by each candidate, duly authorised in writing by the candidate, may attend at the time and place appointed in this behalf and the Returning Officer shall give or cause to give them all reasonable facilities for examining the nomination papers of all candidates, which have been delivered as required by rule 65. No other person shall be allowed to attend scrutiny of nominations.
(2) The Returning Officer shall then examine the nomination papers and shall decide all objections which may be made to any nominations and may, either on such objections or on his own motion, after such summary inquiry, if any, as he thinks necessary, reject any nomination on any of the following grounds, this is to say:—
(i) that the candidate is disqualified for being chosen to fill the seat by or under the Act, these rules and the bye-laws;
(ii) that there has been a failure to comply with any of the provisions of rule 65 or 67;
(iii) that the signature of the candidate or the proposer or the seconder on the nomination paper is not genuine.
(3) Nothing contained in clauses (ii) or (iii) of sub-rule (2) shall be deemed to authorise the rejection of the nomination of any candidate on the ground of any irregularity in respect of a nomination paper if the candidate has been duly nominated by means of another nomination paper in respect of which no irregularity has been committed.
(4) The Returning Officer shall not reject any nomination paper on the ground of any defect which is not of substantial character.
(5) The Returning Officer shall hold the scrutiny on the date appointed in this behalf under rule 61 and shall not allow any adjournment of the proceedings, except when such proceedings are interrupted or obstructed by riot or open violence or causes beyond his control:
Provided that, in case any objection is raised by the Returning Officer or is made by any other person, the candidate concerned may be allowed time to rebut it, not later than two days (excluding holiday), and the Returning Officer shall record his decision on the date to which the proceedings have been adjourned.
(6) The Returning Officer shall endorse on each nomination paper his decision accepting or rejecting the same and, if the nomination paper is rejected, he shall record in writing a brief statement of his reason for such rejection, and copy of such statement shall be immediately supplied on demand to the candidate or to the proposer concerned. The copy of such statement shall be sent invariably to the Chief Election Officer or to the Assistant Election Officer, as the case may be.