576 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
it could be specifically laid down as to which one of the Assistant Returning Officers should perform the functions. If there is any difficulty in accepting my amendment in the present form, this might be kept in mind in forming rules. My object is that nothing should be left to uncertainty.
Dr. Ambedkar: I do not accept this amendment. It should be remembered that we are dealing with three functions; acceptance of nomination paper, scrutiny of nomination papers and the counting of votes in certain contingencies. It does not seem to me that any of these functions are of such a special character as to require an officer of such a type that in him only we can put confidence and in no other. Unless my friend is able to satisfy me that these functions are such that they require some kind of a special character or confidence in the officer, I do not see why one assistant Returning Officer should not perform these functions in the same manner as any other.
Shri J. R. Kapoor: That is the presumption in the proviso.
Dr. Ambedkar: The idea of my hon. friend is to grade officers ; the seniormost, the next seniormost, the juniormost, etc. I do not understand why this should be done unless the functions are of such a character that we must be sure that the man in whom we can lodge the highest confidence is the man who should perform it. And it might create administrative difficulties as well.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: I think there is one point in the amendment. The Election Commission may appoint one or more Assistant Returning Officers to assist the Returning Officer. Let us assume that two persons are appointed and suddenly the Returning Officer stays away without leaving any instructions. There are two persons on the spot. Which of them is to Act ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Any one of them may
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Suppose each one thinks it is the duty of the other man. What happens ?