(1)If the presiding officer is satisfied that owing to blindness or other physical infirmity an elector is unable to recognise the symbols on the ballot paper or to make a mark thereon without assistance, the presiding officer shall permit the elector to take with him a companion of not less than ][eighteen] [ Substituted by S.O. 542(E), dated 13.9.1989.][years of age to the voting compartment for recording the vote on the ballot paper on his behalf and in accordance with his wishes, and, if necessary, for folding the ballot paper so as to conceal the vote and inserting it into the ballot box:Provided that no person shall be permitted to act as the companion of more than one elector at any polling station on the same day:Provided further that before any person is permitted to act as the companion of an elector on any day under this rule, the person shall be required to declare that he will keep secret the vote recorded by him on behalf of the elector and that he has not already acted as the companion of any other elector at any polling station on that day.
