(1)After a notified elector has recorded his vote and made his declaration under rule 27-F or rule 27-G, he shall return the ballot paper and the declaration to the Returning Officer concerned before the hour fixed for the commencement of counting of votes.[Provided that in the case of absentee voter, postal ballot paper shall be returned to the centre provided for recording of vote under sub-rule (3) of Rule 27-F, subject to any direction that may be issued by the Election Commission in this behalf.] [Inserted by Notification No. S.O. 3786(E), dated 22.10.2019 (w.e.f. 15.4.1961).](2)If any cover containing a postal ballot paper is received by the Returning Officer after the expiry of the time fixed in sub-rule (1), he shall note thereon the date and time of its receipt and shall keep all such covers together in a separate packet.(3)The Returning Officer shall keep in safe custody until the commencement of the counting of votes all covers containing postal ballot papers received by him.
