Section 52 in The Tamil Nadu Town Panchayats, Third Grade Municipalities, Municipalities and Corporations (Elections) Rules, 2006
52. Spoilt and returned ballot papers.
(1)If an elector, after obtaining a ballot paper decides not to use it, he shall return it to the Presiding Officer and the ballot paper so returned shall be marked "Returned-cancelled", by the Presiding Officer.(2)If an elector has inadvertently dealt with his ballot paper in such manner that it cannot be conveniently used as ballot paper may return it to the Presiding Officer, who if satisfied of the inadvertence, may issue another ballot paper and the ballot paper so returned shall be marked "Spoilt-cancelled" by the Presiding Officer.(3)If an elector to whom a ballot paper has been issued refuses, after warning given by the Presiding Officer, to observe the procedure as laid down in rule 49, the ballot paper issued to him shall whether he has recorded his vote thereon or not, be taken back from him by the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer under the direction of the Presiding Officer. After the ballot paper has been taken back, the Presiding Officer shall record on its back the words "Cancelled: voting procedure violated".(4)All ballot papers referred to under sub-rules (1), (2) and (3) shall be signed by the Presiding Officer below the words recorded under the said sub-rules and kept in separate covers and put into the packet referred to in sub-rule (3) of rule 56.
