The Reader

2. To be hosted on Institute's website.

This refers to the written objections received, amongst others, on need for

verification of signatures and bulk posting allegedly made.

In the course of dealing with the above objections and disposing of the postal ballot

papers received from the Central India Regional Constituency (both for the 21st Council and

20th Regional Council), the following decision, amongst others, has been taken under Rule

39 (reproduced below) for disregarding the postal envelopes received:

Ballot papers which are consecutively posted and for which clear cut

evidence is available in the postal receipt/envelope itself are treated as bulk

posting in the context of Clause (4) of Schedule 7 to the Chartered

Accountants (Election to the Council) Rules, 2006 (reproduced hereunder),

the objective of which is to prevent misuse of postal ballots by persons

other than the bonafide voters and in the light of the election dispute case

settled by the Election Tribunal in the past.

Clause 4, Schedule 7

"The Returning Officer shall disregard all covers containing the voting

papers relating to two or more members and posted in one and the same

envelope."

Rule 39

"Returning Officer to decide on certain matters. – If any question pertaining

to or incidental to the procedure for conduct of elections including matters

not specifically covered by these rules, arises, it shall be decided by the

Returning Officer or the officer authorized by him under these rules.

Explanation: For the purpose of this rule , the conduct of election shall also

include the process of counting of votes and declaration of results."

( T. KARTHIKEYAN )

Returning Officer and Secretary

"ICAI Bhawan", Indraprastha Marg,

Post Box No. 7100, New Delhi – 110 002. India

Phone: (+91) (011) 3989 3989 ; Fax: (+91) (011) 3011 0589