Representation of the People Act, 1951 · Chapter IV: The Poll
Section 59: Manner of voting at elections
At every election where a poll is taken votes shall be given by ballot in such manner as may be prescribed, [and, save as expressly provided by this Act, no votes shall be received by proxy]:
[Provided that the votes at every election to fill a seat or seats in the Council of States shall be given by open ballot.]
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 16 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.