The Returning Officer is responsible for scrutinizing the nomination papers of candidates in an election.

The last date for filing nominations for an election is 14 days before the polling date.

The time allowed for scrutiny of nomination papers is 3 days.

If a nomination paper is found to be invalid during scrutiny, it is rejected.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is 10 days before the polling date.

If a candidate withdraws their candidature after the last date for withdrawal, their votes are not counted.

An independent candidate is allotted a symbol by the Election Commission of India.

The purpose of scrutiny of nomination papers is to ensure that the candidates are eligible to contest the election, to check for any errors or omissions in the nomination papers, and to verify the identity of the candidates.

Any elector in the constituency, any political party, or the Returning Officer can file an objection against a nomination paper.

The consequence of filing a frivolous objection against a nomination paper is that the objector may be fined.

If an objection against a nomination paper is upheld, the nomination paper is rejected, the candidate is disqualified from the election, and the candidate is given a chance to rectify the errors.

Scrutiny of nomination papers is significant in the election process as it ensures that only eligible candidates contest the election, prevents frivolous candidates from contesting the election, and ensures that the election is conducted in a free and fair manner.

The Election Commission of India provides guidelines for the scrutiny of nomination papers, appoints Returning Officers to conduct the scrutiny, and resolves disputes arising out of the scrutiny process.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is important as it ensures that only serious candidates remain in the fray, prevents candidates from withdrawing their candidature at the last moment, and gives candidates time to campaign for the election.