Breaches of official duty in connection with elections

<span style="margin-left:15px;"></span><span style="margin-left:15px;"></span><b>12-BD.</b> (1) If any person to whom this section applies is without reasonable cause guilty of any act or omission in branch of his official duty, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees. <br> <span style="margin-left:15px;"></span><span style="margin-left:15px;"></span>(2) An offence punishable under sub-section (1) shall be cognizable.<br> <span style="margin-left:15px;"></span><span style="margin-left:15px;"></span>(3) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against any such person for damages in respect of any such act or omission as aforesaid. <br> <span style="margin-left:15px;"></span><span style="margin-left:15px;"></span>(4) The persons to whom this section applies are the Nirvachan Adhikaris, Sahayak Nirvachan Adhikari, Matdan Adhyakshas, Matdan Adhikaris and any other person appointed to perform any duty in connection with the receipt of nominations or withdrawal of candidature, or the recording or counting of votes at an election, and the expression &#x2018;official duty&#x2019; shall for the purpose of this section be constructed accordingly, but shall not include duties imposed otherwise than by or under this Act.² <br><br>