Returning officers
Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with returning officers. For every constituency, for every election to fill a seat or seats in the Council of States and for every election by the members of the Legislative Assembly of a State to fill a seat or seats in the Legislative Council of the State, the Election Commission shall, in consultation with the Government The Act came into force on 17 Jul 1951.
1[21. Returning officers.--For every constituency, for every election to fill a seat or seats in the Council of States and for every election by the members of the Legislative Assembly of a State to fill a seat or seats in the Legislative Council of the State, the Election Commission shall, in consultation with the Government of the State, designate or nominate a returning officer who shall be 2[an officer of Government or of a local authority:]
Provided that nothing in this section shall prevent the Election Commission from designating or nominating the same person to be the returning officer for more than one constituency].
Section 21, The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Act 43 of 1951).
Questions about Section 21
What does Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act deal with?
Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act is headed "Returning officers". [21. Returning officers.--For every constituency, for every election to fill a seat or seats in the Council of States and for every election by the members of the Legislative Assembly of a State to fill a seat or seats in the Legislative Council of the State, the Election Commission shall, in consul
How do I find court cases under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: RP Act 1951 21, section 21 RP Act 1951, section 21 of the Representation of the People Act. People searching for it also type representation of the people act 1950 section 21 and representation of peoples act section 21 3. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act come into force?
Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, cited as RP Act 1951 21, came into force on 17 Jul 1951, having been enacted on 17 Jul 1951. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 123. Corrupt practices1710 words
- 33. Presentation of nomination paper and requirement for a valid nomination1149 words
- 8. Disqualification on conviction for certain offences898 words
- 75A. Declaration of assets and liabilities659 words
- 39. Nomination of candidates at other elections632 words
- 36. Scrutiny of nominations596 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.