Local Elections (Petitions and Disqualifications) Act, 1974

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Costs awarded against returning officer.

22.—(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, costs awarded against a returning officer at the trial of a petition shall be paid by the local authority concerned.

(2) Where the court is satisfied that the returning officer has been grossly negligent in the discharge of his duties, the court may order that the officer shall be liable for any costs awarded against him by the court.

(3) Where an order is made under the foregoing subsection any costs awarded against an officer which are paid out of moneys provided by the local authority concerned shall be a debt due to the authority by the officer, and such debt, in default of being discharged, shall be recoverable as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.