Section 42 in Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Elections) Rules, 1995
42. Preparation of ballot boxes for poll.
(1)Where a paper seal is used in an election for securing a ballot box, the Presiding Officer shall affix his own signature on the reverse side of the paper seal and obtain thereon the signatures of such of the polling agents present as are desirous of affixing the same.(2)The Presiding Officer shall, thereafter, fix the paper seal so signed in the space meant therefor in the ballot box and shall secure the sealing such a manner that the slit for the insertion of the ballot papers there into remains open. An account for the paper seals used shall also be maintained by the Presiding Officer as directed by the State Election Commission. The Presiding Officer may also permit the polling agents to note down the serial numbers of the paper seals used.(3)The paper seal used for securing a ballot box shall be affixed in such manner that after the box has been closed it is not possible to open it without breaking the seal.(4)Where it is not necessary to use paper seal for securing the ballot boxes, the Presiding Officer shall secure and seal the ballot box in such manner that the slit for insertion of ballot papers remains open and allow the polling agents present to affix their seals, if they so desire.(5)Every ballot box used at a polling station shall bear labels and addressed tags both inside and outside marked with -(a)name of the election or elections;(b)the name of the District Panchayat, Panchayat Union, Village Pancha-yat and number of the Ward or Wards;(c)the serial number and name of the polling station;(d)the serial number of the ballot box (to be filled in, at the end of the poll on the label and addressed tag outside the ballot box only); and(e)the date of poll.(6)The Presiding Officer shall, immediately before the commencement of the poll, show ballot box empty to such contesting candidates, election agents, polling Agents and other authorised persons as are present and shall, then, lock it up and place his seal upon it. The ballot box shall, then, be closed, sealed and secured and placed in full view of the Presiding Officer and the polling agents. The Presiding Officer shall also sign the declaration in Form 12 and also obtain the signatures of such of the polling agents who are present and are willing to affix their signatures. He shall repeat this process as and when another ballot box is prepared for use. At the end of the poll, a further declaration in Part II of Form 12 shall be recorded in the same manner.
