(1) The Returning Officer, shall after declaring the results, retain in his custody or cause to be deposited in the custody of the officer as may be specified by the State election Commission, the packets of ballot papers, whether counted, rejected, cancelled or unused, the sealed packets containing the declarations under sub-rule (2) of Rule 52 and the marked copy of the electoral roll. These packets shall not be opened and their contents shall not be inspected or produced except under the orders of an election or other competent court.
(2) The Returning Officer or the officer specified by the State Election Commission under sub-rule (1), shall retain the packets and the marked copies of the electoral roll for six months and shall, thereafter, unless otherwise directed by an election other competent Court, cause them to be destroyed.