Section 29 in U.P. Zila Panchayats (Election of Adhyaksha and UP-Adhyaksha and Settlement of Election Disputes) Rules, 1994
29. Custody, inspection and disposal of election papers.
(1)The Returning Officer shall, after reporting the result under sub-rule (b) of Rule 28 forward the sealed envelops and packets referred to in the preceding rules and also the records referred to in sub-rule (6) of Rule 24, the return of election prepared under sub-rule (c) of Rule 28, each placed in a separate sealed envelope, to the District Panchayat Raj Officer. Each envelop or packet shall have written over it specification of the contents thereof.(2)While in the custody of the District Panchayat Raj Officer, the packets of ballot papers whether unused, cancelled, valid or rejected and the list of members used while issuing ballot papers shall not be opened and their contents shall not be inspected by or produced before any person or authority except under the orders of the competent court. Inspection of other papers shall be allowed by the District Panchayat Raj Officer to any person within such hours as he may fix for the purpose.(3)Inspection of election papers whether allowed by the competent court on the District Panchayat Raj Officer under sub-rule (2) shall be subject to the condition of payment of a fee of Rs. 10 per day on which the inspection is made and copies of the return prepared under sub-rule (c) of Rule 28 shall be furnished by the District Panchayat Raj Officer to any person who may ask for the same on payment of a fee of Rs. 10 for each copy.(4)Election papers referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be retained for a period of one year and shall thereafter be destroyed subject to any direction to the contrary given by the State Election Commission or the competent court.
