Section 15 in Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Employees Conduct) Rules, 2001
15. Taking part in politics and election and position of panchayat employees in relation to election.
(1)No panchayat employee shall be a member of, or otherwise associated with any political party or any organization in respect of which there is reason to believe that the organization has a political aspect, nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any political aspect, nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any political movement or activities. He shall also not only maintain political neutrality, but shall also appear to do so. He shall also avoid giving room for any suspicion that he is favouring any political party or any candidate in elections.(2)It shall be the duty of every panchayat employee to endeavour to prevent any member of his family from taking part in subscribing in aid of, or assisting in any other manner, any movement or activity which is, or tends directly or indirectly to be, subversive of any Government or local body as established, and where a panchayat employee is unable to prevent a member of his family taking part in, or subscribing in aid of or assisting in any other manner, any such movement or activity, he shall make a report to that effect to the concerned panchayat.(3)If any question arises whether a party is a political party or whether any organization takes part in politics or whether any movement or activity falls within the scope of this rule, the decision of the Inspector thereon shall be final.(4)No panchayat employee shall canvas or otherwise interfere or use his influence in connection with or take part in, an election to any Legislature or Local Authority:Provided that, -(i)a panchayat employee qualified to vote at such election may exercise his right to vote but where he does so he shall, give no manner in which he proposes to vote or voted:(ii)a panchayat employee shall not be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this rule by reason only that he assist in the conduct of an election in due performance of a duty imposed on him by or under any law for the time being in force.Explanation. - (1) Nothing contained in this sub-rule shall be deemed to prohibit the wife/husband of panchayat employee or any other member of his family living with or in any way dependent on him by or under any law for the time being in force.Explanation. - (2) The display by a panchayat employee on his person, vehicles or residence of any electoral symbol shall amount to using his influence in connection with an election with the meaning of this rule.(5)Seditious propaganda or the expressing of disloyal sentiments by a panchayat employee shall be regarded as sufficient ground for dispensing with his services.(6)A panchayat employee proposing or seconding the nomination of candidate at an election or acting as a polling agent shall be deemed to have committed a breach of this rule.
