Presidential Elections Act, 1937

Issuing of instructions by the Minister.

41.—(1) The Minister may, whenever he thinks proper so to do, issue to all or any local returning officers such instructions in relation to the conduct of the poll (including the opening of the ballot boxes and proceedings consequent thereon) as he shall consider necessary or expedient in order to ensure the smooth and efficient holding of a presidential election and to secure uniformity of procedure in regard thereto in all constituencies.

(2) It shall be the duty of every local returning officer to observe and comply with all instructions given to him by the Minister under the next preceding sub-section of this section.

(3) If any difficulty shall arise in the holding of a presidential election, the Minister may by order provide for any matter or do any thing which appears to him to be necessary for the proper holding of such presidential election.

(4) No local returning officer shall be required or authorised by an instruction given to him or an order made by the Minister under this section to do any act (whether of commission or omission) which is contrary to this Act, or which would, directly or indirectly, infringe the secrey of the ballot.