(1) On the date fixed for scrutiny of nominations under rule 10, the candidates, their election agents, one proposer of each candidate and one other person duly authorized in writing by each candidate, but no other person, may attend at such time and place as the ¨sÁUÀ 4J , 05 2022 5931 Returning officer may appoint and the Returning officer shall give them all reasonable facilities for examining the nomination papers of all candidates which have been delivered within the time and in the manner laid down in rule 12.
(2) The Returning officer shall, then examine the nomination papers and shall decide all objections which may be made to any nomination and may, either on such objection or on his own motion, after such summary enquiry as he thinks necessary, reject any nomination on any of the following grounds, namely:-
(i) that on the date fixed for the scrutiny of nominations the candidate either is not qualified or is disqualified for being chosen to fill the seat under the provisions of the Act;
(ii) that there has been a failure to comply with any of the provisions of the Act or these rules;
(iii)that the signature of the candidate or the proposer on the nomination paper is not genuine.
(3) Nothing contained in clause (ii) or (iii) of sub-rule (2) shall be deemed to authorize the rejection of nomination of any candidate on the ground of any irregularity in respect of 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 a substantial character.
(5) The Returning officer shall hold the scrutiny on the date appointed in this behalf under rule 10 and shall not allow any adjournment of the proceedings except when such proceedings are interrupted by riot or open violence or by causes beyond his control:
Provided that, in case an 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 the next day, but one following the date fixed for scrutiny 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, shall record in writing a brief statement of reasons for such rejection.
(7) Immediately after all the nomination papers are scrutinized and decision accepting or rejecting the same are recorded, the Returning officer shall prepare a list of validly nominated candidates in Form-4, that is to say candidates whose nominations are found valid and affix it to notice board of his office.
(8) For the purpose of this rule, a certified copy of an entry in the electoral roll for the time being in force of a ward shall be conclusive evidence of the fact that the person referred to in that entry is an elector for that ward.