(1) The Returning Officer shall then made up into separate packets the marked copy of the list of members the ballot papers relating to each candidate whether counted or rejected, seal up each packet and note thereon the description of its contents, the election to which it relates and date thereof.
(2) The packets shall not be opened and their contents shall not be verified inspected or produced before any person or authority except under of the State Government or of a competent court.
(3) The packets shall be retained in safe, custody by the Returning Officer in his office for a period of one year from the date of declaration of the results of election and shall thereafter be destroyed unless a direction to the contrary is given by a competent court or by the State Government.