CoA | ACT and Regulations, non authorative version liberated 2004-04
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The Architects Act, 1972 (Act no. 20 of 1972) | Rules and Regulations
also see, CoA Handbook of Professional Documents (2.7MB, PDF)

  1. The Architects Act, 1972 
  2. Council of Architecture Rules, 1973 
  3. Council of Architecture Regulations, 1982 
  4. Guidelines for Architectural Competitions

1. The Architects Act, 1972


[31st May, 1972]

An Act to provide for the registration of architects and for matters connected therewith. 
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Twenty-third Year of the Republic of India as follows :-

 

Chapter I: PRELIMINARY

[ ... to Architects Act, 1972: Table of Contents ]
1.
 
(1)
 
This Act may be called the Architects Act, 1972.
 
 
 
(2)
 
It extends to the whole of India.
 
 
 
(3)
 
It shall come in to force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
 
2.
 

 
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,
 
 
 
a.
b.
c.

d.

e.
f.
g.
 
"architect" means a person whose name is for the time being entered in the register;
"Council" means the Council of Architecture constituted under Section 3;
"Indian Institute of Architects" means the Indian Institute of Architects registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860;
"recognised qualification" means any qualification in architecture for the time being included in the Schedule or notified under section 15;
"register" means the register of architects maintained under section 23;
"regulation" means a regulation made under this Act by the Council;
"rule" means a rule made under this Act by the Central Government.
 
 

Chapter II: COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURE

[ ... to Architects Act, 1972: Table of Contents ]
3.
 
(1)
 
The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute, with effect from such date as may be specified in the notification, a Council to be known as the Council of Architecture, which shall be a body corporate, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and may by that name sue or be sued.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Head Office of the Council shall be at Delhi or at such other place as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The Council shall consist of the following members, namely:-
 
 
 
a.
 
five architects possessing recognized qualifications elected by the Indian Institute of Architects from among its members;
 
 
 
b.
 
two persons nominated by the All India Council for Technical Education established by the Resolution of the Government of India in the late Ministry of Education No.F.16-10/44-E.III, dated the 30th November, 1945;
 
 
 
c.
 
five persons elected form among themselves by heads of architectural institutions in India imparting full-time instruction for recognised qualifications;
 
 
 
d.
 
the Chief Architects in the Ministries of the Central Government to which the Government business relating to defence and railways has been allotted and head of the Architectural Organization in the Central Public Works Department, ex officio;
 
 
 
e.
 
one person nominated by the Central Government;
 
 
 
f.
 
an architect from each State nominated by the Government of that state;
 
 
 
g.
 
two persons nominated by the Institution of Engineers (India) from among its members; and
 
 
 
h.
 
one person nominated by the Institution of Surveyors of India from among its members.
 
 
 

 
Explanation.-- For the purposes of this sub-section,--
 
 
 
a.
 
"Institution of Engineers (India)" means the Institution of Engineers (India) first registered in 1920 under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and subsequently incorporated by a Royal chapter in 1935.
 
 
 
b.
 
"Institution of Surveyors of India" means the Institution of surveyors registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
 
 
 
(4)
 
Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) of sub-section (3), the Central Government may, pending the preparation of the register, nominate to the first Council, in consultation with the Indian Institute of Architects, persons referred to in the said clause (a) who are qualified for registration under section 25, and the persons so nominated shall hold office for such period as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
 
 
 
(5)
 
Notwithstanding anything contained in clause(f) of sub-section (3), the Central Government may, pending the preparation of the register, nominate to the first Council, in consultation with the State Governments concerned, persons referred to in the said clause(f), who are qualified for registration under section 25, and the persons so nominated shall hold office for such period as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
 
4.
 
(1)
 
The President and the Vice-President of the Council shall be elected by the members of the Council from among themselves:
Provided that on the first constitution of the Council and until the President is elected, a member of the Council nominated by the Central Government in this behalf shall discharge the functions of the President.
 
 
 
(2)
 
An elected President or Vice-President of the Council shall hold office for a term of three years or till he ceases to be a member of the Council, whichever is earlier, but subject to his being a member of the Council, he shall be eligible for re-election:
 
 
 

 
Provided that --
 
 
 
a.
 
the President or the Vice-President may, by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-President or the President, as the case may be, resign his office;
 
 
 
b.
 
President or the Vice-President shall, notwithstanding the expiry of his term of three years, continue to hold office until his successor enters upon office.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The President and the Vice-President of the Council shall exercise such powers and discharge such duties as may be prescribed by the regulations.
 
5.
 
(1)
 
Elections under this Chapter shall be conducted in such manner as may be prescribed by rules.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Where any dispute arises regarding any such election, the matter shall be referred by the Council to a Tribunal appointed by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette in this behalf, and the decision of the Tribunal shall be final: Provided that no such reference shall be made except on an application made to the Council by an aggrieved party within thirty days from the date of the declaration of the result of the election.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The expenses of the Tribunal shall be borne by the Council.
 
6.
 
(1)
 
Subject to the provisions of this section, an elected or nominated member shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his election or nomination or until his successor has been duly elected or nominated whichever is later.
 
 
 
(2)
 
An elected or nominated member may, at any time, resign his membership by writing under his hand addressed to the President, or in his absence, to the Vice-President, and the seat of such member shall thereupon become vacant.
 
 
 
(3)
 
A member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat --
 
 
 
i.
 
if he is absent without excuse, sufficient in the opinion of the Council, from three consecutive ordinary meetings of the Council; or
 
 
 
ii.
 
if he ceases to be a member of the body referred to in clause (a), clause(g) or clause(h) of sub-section (3) of section 3 by which he was elected or nominated, as the case may be; or
 
 
 
iii.
 
in the case where he has been elected under clause(c) of sub-section (3) of section 3, if he ceases to hold his appointment as the head of an Institution referred to in the said clause.
 
 
 
(4)
 
A Casual vacancy in the Council shall be filled by fresh election or nomination, as the case may be, and the person so elected or nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the term for which the member whose place he takes was elected or nominated.
 
 
 
(5)
 
Members of the Council shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination, but not exceeding three consecutive terms.
 
7.
 

 
No act or proceeding of the Council or the Executive Committee or any other Committee shall be invalid merely by reason
of -
 
 
 
a.
 
any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of the Council, the Executive Committee or any other committee, or
 
 
 
b.
 
any defect in the election or nomination of a person acting as a member thereof, or
 
 
 
c.
 
any irregularity in procedure not affecting the merits of the case.
 
8.
 
 
 
A person shall not be eligible for election or nomination as a member of the Council, if he --
 
 
 
a.
 
is an undischarged insolvent; or
 
 
 
b.
 
has been convicted by a court in India for any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years, and shall continue to be ineligible for a further period of five years since his release.
 
9.
 
(1)
 
The Council shall meet at least once in every six months at such time and place and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business at its meetings as may be prescribed by regulations.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Unless otherwise prescribed by regulations, nine members of the Council shall form a quorum, and all the acts of the Council shall be decided by a majority of the members present and voting.
 
 
 
(3)
 
In the case of an equal division of votes, the President, or in his absence, the Vice-President or, in the absence of both, the member presiding over the meeting, shall have and exercise a second or casting vote.
 
10.
 
(1)
 
The Council shall constitute from among its members an Executive Committee, and may also constitute other committees for such general or special purposes as the Council deems necessary to carry out its functions under this Act.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President and the Vice-President of the Council who shall be members ex-officio and five other members who shall be elected by the Council from among its members.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The President and the Vice-President of the Council shall be the Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the Executive Committee.
 
 
 
(4)
 
A member of the Executive Committee shall hold office as such until the expiry of his term as a member of the Council but subject to his being a member of the Council, he shall be eligible for re-election.
 
 
 
(5)
 
In addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed on it by this Act, the Executive Committee shall exercise such powers and discharge such duties as may be prescribed by regulations.
 
11.
 
 
 
The President, the Vice-President and other members of the Council shall be entitled to such fees and allowances as the Council may, with the previous sanction of the Central Government, fix in this behalf.

 
12.
 
(1)
 
The Council shall -
 
 
 
a.
 
appoint a Registrar who shall act as its Secretary and who may also act, if so decided by the Council, as its treasurer;
 
 
 
b.
 
appoint such other officers and employees as the Council deems necessary to enable it to carry out its functions under this Act;
 
 
 
c.
 
with the previous sanction of the Central Government, fix the pay and allowances and other conditions of service of officers and other employees of the Council.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Notwithstanding anything contained in clause(a) of sub-section(1), for the first three years from the first constitution of the Council, the Registrar of the Council shall be a person appointed by the Central government, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Central Government.
 
 
 
(3)
 
All the persons appointed under this section shall be the employees of the Council.
 
13.
 
(1)
 
There shall be established a Fund under the management and control of the Council into which shall be paid all moneys received by the Council and out of which shall be met all expenses and liabilities properly incurred by the Council.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Council may invest any money for the time being standing to the credit of the Fund in any Government security or in any other security approved by the Central Government.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The Council shall keep proper accounts of the Fund distinguishing capital from revenue.
 
 
 
(4)
 
The annual accounts of the Council shall be subject to audit by an auditor to be appointed annually by the Council.
 
 
 
(5)
 
As soon as may be practicable at the end of each year, but not later than the thirtieth day of September of the year next following, the Council shall cause to be published in the Official Gazette a copy of the audited accounts and the report of the Council for that year and copies of the said accounts and report shall be forwarded to the Central Government.
 
 
 
(6)
 
The Fund shall consist of --
 
 
 
a.
 
all moneys received from the Central Government by way of grant, gift or deposit;
 
 
 
b.
 
any sums received under this Act whether by way of fee or otherwise.
 
 
 
(7)
 
All moneys standing at the credit of the Council which cannot be immediately be applied shall be deposited in the State Bank of India or in any other bank specified in column 2 of the First Schedule to the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970.
 
14.
 
(1)
 
The qualifications included in the schedule or notified under section 15 shall be recognised qualifications for the purposes of this Act.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Any authority in India which grants an architectural qualification not included in the schedule may apply to the Central Government to have such qualification recognised, and the Central Government, after consultation with the Council, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend the schedule so as to include such qualification therein, and any such notification may also direct that an entry shall be made in the schedule against such architectural qualification declaring that it shall be a recognised qualification only when granted after a specified date.
 
Provided that until the first Council is constituted, the Central Government shall, before, issuing any notification as aforesaid, consult an expert committee consisting of three members to be appointed by the Central Government by notification in the official Gazette.
 
15.
 
(1)
 
The Central Government may, after consultation with the Council, direct, by notification in the Official Gazette, that an architectural qualification granted by any university or other institution in any country outside India in respect of which a scheme of reciprocity for the recognition of architectural qualification is not in force, shall be a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act or, shall be so only when granted after a specified date or before a specified date :
 
Provided that until the first Council is constituted the Central Government shall, before issuing any notification as aforesaid, consult the expert committee set up under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 14.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Council may enter into negotiations with the authority in any State or country outside India, which by the law of such State or country is entrusted with the maintenance of a register of architects, for settling of a scheme of reciprocity for the recognition of architectural qualifications and in pursuance of any such scheme, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that such architectural qualification as the Council has decided should be recognised, shall be deemed to be a recognised qualification for the purposes of this Act, and any such notification may also direct that such architectural qualification, shall be so recognised only when granted after a specified date or before a specified date.
 
16.
 

 
Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) of section 14, the Central Government, after consultation with the Council, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend the schedule by directing that an entry be made in respect of any architectural qualification.
 
17.
 

 
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, but subject to the provisions of this Act, any recognised qualification shall be a sufficient qualification for enrolment in the register.
 
18.
 

 
Every authority in India which grants a recognised qualification shall furnish such information as the Council may, from time to time, require as to the courses of study and examinations to be undergone in order to obtain such qualification, as to the ages at which such courses of study and examinations are required to be undergone and such qualification is conferred and generally as to the requisites for obtaining such qualification.
 
19.
 
(1)
 
The Executive Committee shall, subject to regulations, if any, made by the Council, appoint such number of inspectors as it may deem requisite to inspect any college or institution where architectural education is given or to attend any examination held by any college or institution for the purpose of recommending to the Central Government recognition of architectural qualifications granted by that college or institution.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The inspectors shall not interfere with the conduct of any training or examination, but shall report to the Executive Committee on the adequacy of the standards of architectural education including staff, equipment, accommodation, training and such other facilities as may be prescribed by regulations for giving such education or on the sufficiency of every examination which they attend.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The Executive Committee shall forward a copy of such report to the college or institution and shall also forward copies with remarks, if any, of the college or institution thereon, to the Central Government.
 
20.
 
(1)
 
When upon report by the Executive Committee it appears to the Council -
 
 
 
a.
 
that the courses of study and examination to be undergone in, or the proficiency required from the candidates at any examination held by, any college or institution, or
 
 
 
b.
 
that the staff, equipment, accommodation, training and other facilities for staff and training provided in such college or institution,
 
 
 

 
do not conform to the standards prescribed by regulations, the Council shall make a representation to that effect to the appropriate Government.
 
 
 
(2)
 
After considering such representation the appropriate Government shall forward it along with such remarks as it may choose to make to the college or institution concerned, with an intimation of the period within which the college or institution, as the case may be, may submit its explanation to the appropriate Government.
 
 
 
(3)
 
On receipt of the explanation or where no explanation is submitted within the period fixed, then on the expiry of that period, the State Government, in respect of the college or institution referred to in clause(b) of sub-section (5), shall make its recommendations to the Central Government.
 
 
 
(4)
 
The Central Government --
 
 
 
a.
 
after making such further enquiry, if any, as it may think fit, in respect of the college or institution referred to in sub-section (3), or
 
 
 
b.
 
on receipt of the explanation from a college or institution referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (5), or where no explanation is submitted within the period fixed, then on the expiry of that period,
 
 
 

 
may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that an entry shall be made in the Schedule against the architectural qualification awarded by such college or institution, as the case may be, declaring that it shall be a recognised qualification only when granted before a specified date and the Schedule shall be deemed to be amended accordingly.
 
 
 
(5)
 
For the purposes of this section, "appropriate Government" means --
 
 
 
a.
 
in relation to any college or institution established by an Act of Parliament or managed, controlled or financed by the Central Government, the Central Government, and
 
 
 
b.
 
in any other case, the State Government.
 
21.
 

 
The Council may prescribe the minimum standards of architectural education required for granting recognised qualifications by colleges or institutions in India.
 
22.
 
(1)
 
The Council may by regulations prescribe standards of professional conduct and etiquette and a code of ethics for architects.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Regulations made by the Council under sub-section (1) may specify which violations thereof shall constitute infamous conduct in any professional respect, that is to say, professional misconduct, and such provision shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force.
 
 

Chapter III: REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS

[ ... to Architects Act, 1972: Table of Contents ]
23.
 
(1)
 
The Central Government shall, as soon as may be, cause to be prepared in the manner hereinafter provided a register of architects for India.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Council shall upon its constitution assume the duty of maintaining the register in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The register shall include the following particulars, namely :-
 
 
 
a.
 
the full name with date of birth, nationality and residential address of the architect ;
 
 
 
b.
 
his qualification for registration, and the date on which he obtained that qualification and the authority which conferred it ;
 
 
 
c.
 
the date of his first admission to the register;
 
 
 
d.
 
his professional address ; and
 
 
 
e.
 
such further particulars as may be prescribed by rules.
 
24.
 
(1)
 
For the purposes of preparing the register of architects for the first time, the Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Registration Tribunal consisting of three persons who have, in the opinion of the Central Government, the knowledge of, or experience in, architecture; and the Registrar appointed under section 12 shall act as Secretary of the Tribunal.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Central Government shall, by the same or a like notification, appoint a date on or before which application for registration, which shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed by rules, shall be made to the Registration Tribunal.
 
 
 
(3)
 
The Registration Tribunal shall examine every application received on or before the appointed day and if it is satisfied that the applicant is qualified for registration under section 25, shall direct the entry of the name of the applicant in the register.
 
 
 
(4)
 
The first register so prepared shall thereafter be published in such manner as the Central Government may direct and any person aggrieved by a decision of the Registration Tribunal expressed or implied in the register so published may, within thirty days from the date of such publication, appeal against such decision to an authority appointed by the central Government in this behalf by notification in the Official Gazette.
 
 
 
(5)
 
The authority appointed under sub-section (4) shall, after giving the person affected an opportunity of being heard and after calling for relevant records, make such order as it may deem fit.
 
 
 
(6)
 
The Registrar shall amend, where necessary, the register in accordance with the decisions of the authority appointed under sub-section (4).
 
 
 
(7)
 
Every person whose name is entered in the register shall be issued a certificate of registration in such form as may be prescribed by rules.
 
 
 
(8)
 
Upon the constitution of the Council, the register shall be given into its custody, and the Central Government may direct that the whole or any specified part of the application fees for registration in the first register shall be paid to the credit of the Council.
 
25.
 
 
 
A person shall be entitled on payment of such fees as may be prescribed by rules to have his name entered in the register, if he resides or carries on the profession of architect in India and --
 
 
 
a.
 
holds a recognised qualification, or
 
 
 
b.
 
does not hold such a qualification but, being a citizen of India, has been engaged in practice as an architect for a period of not less than five years prior to the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 24, or
 
 
 
c.
 
possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed by rules :
 
 
 
 
 
Provided that no person other than a citizen of India shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a qualification --
 
 
 
a.
 
recognised under sub-section (1) of section 15 unless by the law and practice of a country outside India to which such person belongs, citizens of India holding architectural qualification registrable in that country are permitted to enter and practise the profession of architect in such country, or
 
 
 
b.
 
unless the Central Government has, in pursuance of a scheme of reciprocity or otherwise, declared that qualification to be a recognised qualification under sub-section (2) of section 15.
 
26.
 
(1)
 
After the date appointed for the receipt of applications for registration in the first register of architects, all applications for registration shall be addressed to the Registrar of the Council and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed by rules.
 
 
 
(2)
 
If upon such application the Registrar is of opinion that the applicant is entitled to have his name entered in the register he shall enter thereon the name of the applicant:
Provided that no person, whose name has under the provisions of this Act been removed from the register, shall be entitled to have his name re-entered in the register except with the approval of the Council.
 
 
 
(3)
 
Any person whose application for registration is rejected by the Registrar may, within three months of the date of such rejection, appeal to the Council.
 
 
 
(4)
 
Upon entry in the register of a name under this section, the Registrar shall issue a certificate of registration in such form as may be prescribed by the rules.
 
27.
 
(1)
 
The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that for the retention of a name in the register after the 31st day of December of the year following the year in which the name is first entered in the register, there shall be paid annually to the Council such renewal fee as may be prescribed by rules and where such direction has been made, such renewal fee shall be due to be paid before the first day of April of the year to which it relates.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Where the renewal fee is not paid before the due date, the Registrar shall remove the name of the defaulter from the register :
Provided that a name so removed may be restored to the register on such conditions as may be prescribed by rules.
 
 
 
(3)
 
On payment of the renewal fee, the Registrar shall, in such manner as may be prescribed by rules, endorse the certificate of registration accordingly.
 
28.
 

 
An architect shall, on payment of such fee as may be prescribed by rules, be entitled to have entered in the register any further recognised qualification which he may obtain.
 
29.
 
(1)
 
The Council may, by order, remove from the register the name of any architect -
 
 
 
a.
 
from whom a request has been received to that effect, or
 
 
 
b.
 
who has died since the last publication of the register.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Subject to the provisions of this section, the Council may order that the name of any architect shall be removed from the register where it is satisfied, after giving him a reasonable opportunity of being heard and after such further inquiry, if any, as it may think fit to make, --
 
 
 
a.
 
that his name has been entered in the register by error or on account of misrepresentation or suppression of a material fact; or
 
 
 
b.
 
that he has been convicted of any offence which, in the opinion of the Council, involves moral turpitude; or
 
 
 
c.
 
that he is an undischarged insolvent; or
 
 
 
d.
 
that he has been adjudged by a competent court to be of unsound mind.
 
 
 
(3)
 
An order under sub-section (2) may direct that any architect whose name is ordered to be removed from a register shall be ineligible for registration under this Act for such period as may be specified.
 
 
 
(4)
 
An order under sub-section (2) shall not take effect until the expiry of three months from the date thereof.
 
30.
 
(1)
 
When on receipt of a complaint made to it, the Council is of opinion that any architect has been guilty of professional misconduct which, if proved, will render him unfit to practise as an architect, the Council may hold an inquiry in such manner as may be prescribed by rules.
 
 
 
(2)
 
After holding the inquiry under sub-section (1) and after hearing the architect, the Council may, by order, reprimand the said architect or suspend him from practice as an architect or remove his name from the register or pass such other order as it thinks fit.
 
31.
 

 
A person whose name has been removed from the register under sub-section (2)of section 27, sub-section (1) or sub-section(2) of section 29 or sub-section (2) of section 30, or where such person is dead, his legal representative, as defined in clause (11) of section 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, shall forthwith surrender his certificate of registration to the Registrar, and the name so removed shall be published in the Official Gazette.
 
32.
 

 
The Council may, at any time, for reasons appearing to it be sufficient and subject to the approval of the Central Government, order that upon payment of such fee as may be prescribed by rules, the name of the person removed from the register shall be restored thereto.
 
33.
 

 
Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Registrar that a certificate of registration has been lost or destroyed, the Registrar may, on payment of such fee as may be prescribed by rules, issue a duplicate certificate in the form prescribed by the rules.
 
34.
 

 
As soon as may be after the Ist day of April in each year, the Registrar shall cause to be printed copies of the register as it stood on the said date and such copies shall be made available to persons applying therefore on payment of such fee as may be prescribed by rules and shall be evidence that on the said date the persons whose names are entered therein were architects.
 
35.
 
(1)
 
Any reference in any law for the time being in force to an architect shall be deemed to be a reference to an architect registered under this Act.
 
 
 
(2)
 
After the expiry of two years from the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 24, a person who is registered in the register shall get preference for appointment as an architect under the Central or State Government or in any other local body or institution which is supported or aided from the public or local funds or in any institution recognised by the Central or State Government.
 
 

Chapter IV: MISCELLANEOUS

[ ... to Architects Act, 1972: Table of Contents ]
36.
 

 
If any person whose name is not for the time being entered in the register falsely represents that it is so entered, or uses in connection with his name or title any words or letters reasonably calculated to suggest that his name is so entered, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.
 
37.
 
(1)
 
After the expiry of one year from the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 24, no person other than a registered architect, or a firm of architects shall use the title and style of architect :
 
 
 
 
 
Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to -
 
 
 
a.
 
practice of the profession of an architect by a person designated as a "landscape architect" or "naval architect";
 
 
 
b.
 
a person who, carrying on the profession of an architect in any country outside India, undertakes the function as a consultant or designer in India for a specific project with the prior permission of the Central Government.
 
 
 

 
Explanation - For the purposes of clause (a), --
 
 
 
i.
 
"landscape architect" means a person who deals with the design of open spaces relating to plants, trees and landscape;
 
 
 
ii.
 
"naval architect" means an architect who deals with design and construction of ships.
 
 
 
(2)
 
If any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees and on any subsequent conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or with both.
 
38.
 

 
If any person whose name has been removed from the register fails without sufficient cause forthwith to surrender his certificate of registration, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees, and, in the case of a continuing failure, with an additional fine which may extend to ten rupees for each day after the first during which he has persisted in the failure.
 
39.
 
(1)
 
No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act, except upon complaint made by order of the Council or a person authorised in this behalf by the Council.
 
 
 
(2)
 
No Magistrate other than a Presidency Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence punishable under this Act.
 
40.
 
(1)
 
The Council shall furnish such reports, copies of its minutes, and other information to the Central Government as that Government may require.
 
 
 
(2)
 
The Central Government may publish, in such manner as it may think fit, any report, copy or other information furnished to it under this section.
 
41.
 

 
No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government, the Council or any member of the Council, the Executive Committee or any other committee or officers and other employees of the Council for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or any rule or regulation made there under.
 
42.
 

 
The members of the Council and officers and other employees of the Council shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.
 
43.
 
(1)
 
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty: Provided that no such order shall be made under this section after the expiry of two years from the date of commencement of this Act.
 
 
 
(2)
 
Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before each House of Parliament and the provisions of sub-section(3) of section 44 shall apply in respect of such order as it applies in respect of a rule made under this Act.
 
44.
 
(1)
 
The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act.
 
 
 
(2)
 
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely: -
 
 
 
a.
 
the manner in which elections under Chapter II shall be conducted, the terms and conditions of service of the member of the Tribunal appointed under sub-section (2) of section 5 and the procedure to be followed by the Tribunal;
 
 
 
b.
 
the procedure to be followed by the expert committee constituted under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 14 in the transaction of its business and the powers and duties of the expert committee and the travelling and daily allowances payable to the members thereof;
 
 
 
c.
 
the particulars to be included in the register of architects under sub-section (3) of section 23;
 
 
 
d.
 
the form in which a certificate of registration is to be issued under sub-section (7) of section 24, sub-section (4) of section 26 and section 33.
 
 
 
e.
 
the fee to be paid under sections 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 , 32 and 33;
 
 
 
f.
 
the conditions on which name may be restored to the register under the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 27;
 
 
 
g.
 
the manner of endorsement under sub-section (3) of section 27;
 
 
 
h.
 
the manner in which the Council shall hold an enquiry under section 30;
 
 
 
i.
 
the fee for supplying printed copies of the register under section 34.
 
 
 
j.
 
any other matter which is to be or may be provided by rules under this Act
 
 
 
(3)
 
Every rule made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification to the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.
 
45.
 
(1)
 
The Council may, with the approval of the central Government, *[by notification in the Official Gazette ] make regulations not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, or the rules made there under to carry out the purposes of this Act.
 
 
 
(2)
 
In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for
 
 
 
a.
 
the management of the property of the Council;
 
 
 
b.
 
the powers and duties of the President and the Vice-President of the Council;
 
 
 
c.
 
the summoning and holding of meetings of the Council and the Executive Committee or any other committee constituted under section 10, the times and places at which such meetings shall be held, the conduct of business thereat and the number of persons necessary to constitute a quorum;
 
 
 
d.
 
the functions of the Executive Committee or of any other committee constituted under section 10;
 
 
 
e.
 
the courses and periods of study and of practical training, if any, to be undertaken, the subjects of examinations and standards of proficiency therein to be obtained in any college or institution for grant of recognised qualifications;
 
 
 
f.
 
the appointment, powers and duties of inspector;
 
 
 
g.
 
the standards of staff, equipment, accommodation, training and other facilities for architectural education;
 
 
 
h.
 
the conduct of professional examinations, qualifications of examiners and the conditions of admission to such examinations;
 
 
 
i.
 
the standards of professional conduct and etiquette and code of ethics to be observed by architects;
 
 
 
j.
 
any other matter which is to be or may be provided by regulations under this Act and in respect of which no rules have been made.
 
 
 
*(3)
 
Every regulation made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification to the regulation or both Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulations shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that regulation
 
 

The Schedule (See section 14)

[ ... to Architects Act, 1972: Table of Contents ]
  1. Bachelor Degree of Architecture awarded by Indian Universities established by an Act of the Central or State Legislature.
   2. National Diploma (Formally All India Diploma) in Architecture awarded by the All India Council for Technical Education.
3. Degree of Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.) awarded by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
  4. Five-year full-time Diploma in Architecture of the Sir J.J. School of Art, Bombay, awarded after 1941.
  5. Diploma in Architecture awarded by the State Board of Technical Education and Training of the Government of Andhra Pradesh with effect from 1960 (for the students trained at the Government College of Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad).
  6. Diploma in Architecture awarded by the Government College of Arts and Architecture, Hyderabad till 1959, subject to the condition that the candidates concerned have subsequently passed a special final examination in Architecture held by the State Board of Technical Education, Andhra Pradesh and obtained a special certificate.
  7. Diploma in Architecture awarded by the University of Nagpur with effect from 1965 to the students trained at the Government Polytechnic, Nagpur.
  8. Government Diploma in Architecture awarded by the Government of Maharashtra (or the former Government of Bombay).
  9. Diploma in Architecture of Kalabhavan Technical Institute, Baroda.
  10. Membership of the Indian Institute of Architects.
  11. National Diploma (Formally All India Diploma) in Architecture awarded by the All India Council for Technical Education.
  12. Diploma in Architecture awarded by the University of Nagpur during the period 1962 to 1964.1
  13. Bachelor Degree in Architecture awarded by the School of Planning of Architecture, New Delhi (an Institution deemed to be a University) with effect from 3-12-1979.2
  14. Diploma in Architecture awarded by the Centre for Environment Planning and Technology (CEPT), Ahmedabad, with effect from 16-10-1980.3
  15. Diploma in Architecture awarded by the Institute of Environment Design to the students trained at the D.C. Patel School of Architecture, Vallabh Vidya Nagar (Gujarat). 4, 5 & 7
  16. Five-year Diploma in Architecture awarded by the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurgaon (Haryana) with effect from 1.6.1994 to the students trained at the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurgaon (Haryana).6
  17. Five-year Diploma in Architecture awarded by the TVB School of Habitat Studies, Sector-D, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi with effect from 1.8.1995 to the students trained at the TVB School of Habitat Studies, Sector-D, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.8
    * Inserted by Notification in the Gazette of India on 19th May, 1982

2. Council of Architecture Rules, 1973


[ top of this page ]

G.S.R. 67 (E) - in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 44 of The Architects Act, 1972 (No.20 of 1972), (Amended Vide GSR 751 Notification dt. 10.10.1987) the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely :-

 

Chapter - I: Preliminary

[ ... to CoA Rules: Table of Contents ]
  1. Short title and commencement -
     
    1. These rules may be called the Council of Architecture Rules 1973.
       
    2. These rules shall come into force on the date of their publication in the official Gazette.
       
  2. Definitions - In these rule, unless the context otherwise requires -
     
    1. "Act" means the Architects Act, 1972;
       
    2. "Form" means a form annexed to these rules;
       
    3. "President" means the President of the Council of Architecture;
       
    4. "Returning Officer" means any officer appointed as such by the Central Government for the purpose of these rules;
       
    5. "Section" means a section of the Act. Election to the Council under clause (a) of sub-section (3) of section 3.
       
  3. Representatives of the Indian Institute of Architect -
     
    1. The President shall, not later than sixty days before the date of occurrence of vacancy by the expiry of the term of office of a member, send intimation thereof to Central Government who shall, not later than forty five days before the date of occurrence of the vacancy, forward a notice by registered post to the Secretary of the Indian Institute of Architects requesting him to hold an election by a date not later than the date specified in the notice.
       
    2. In the case of a vacancy under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 6 or any other vacancy, the President shall notify the Central Government as soon as possible the occurrence of such vacancy and the Central Government shall thereupon forward a notice by registered post to the Secretary of the Indian Institute of Architects requesting him to hold an election to fill that vacancy by a date not later than the date specified in the notice.
       
    3. For the purpose of the first election under clause (a) of sub-section (3) of section 3, it shall be sufficient if the Central Government forward a notice by registered post to the Secretary of the Indian Institute of Architects requesting him to hold the election by a date not later than the date specified in the notice.
       
  4. Intimation of name of elected person to Central Government - The name of the elected person shall be intimated by the Secretary of the Indian Institute of Architects to the Central Government who shall take steps to publish the name of the elected person in the Official Gazette. Election to the Council under clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 3.
     
  5. Persons entitled to vote and to stand for election - All persons who are the heads of architectural institutions in India imparting full-time instruction for recognised qualifications shall be entitled to vote at and to stand for the election of a member under clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 3.
     
  6. Returning Officer - The Returning Officer shall call upon all the head of architectural institutions in India to elect such number of members as are referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 3 and in the case of first election, five members shall be elected.
     
  7. Returning Officer to decide questions relating to right of persons to vote at or to stand for election - If any question arises as to whether a person is or is not entitled to vote at or to stand for the election, the question shall be referred to the Returning Officer (for his decision) [ Amended by Notification GSR No. 1104 dated 26.9.1973. ]
     
  8. Fixation of dates of various stages of election - The Returning Officer shall appoint and notify in the Official Gazette and in such other manner as he thinks fit, the date, the time and place for -
     
    1. the receipt of nomination papers and their scrutiny;
       
    2. the despatch of voting papers to the elections;
       
    3. the poll, the scrutiny and counting of votes.
       
  9. Nomination of Candidates - Any person qualified to stand for the election under this chapter may be nominated as a candidates for election and such nomination shall be made by means of a nomination paper in Form No. 1 which shall be supplied by the Returning Officer to any elector who may apply for the same.
     
  10. Nomination Paper -
     
    1. Each nomination paper shall be subscribed by two electors as proposer and seconder: Provided that no elector shall subscribe more nominations than there are seats to be filled up: Provided further that if more than prescribed number of nomination papers be subscribed by the same elector, the prescribed number of nomination papers first received by the Returning Officer shall, if otherwise in order, be held to be valid and if more than the prescribed number of nomination papers subscribed by the same elector be received simultaneously by the Returning Officer, all such nomination papers shall be held invalid.
       
    2. On receipt of each nomination paper, the Returning Officer shall forthwith endorse thereupon the date and hour of receipt.
       
  11. Rejection of nomination paper - A nomination paper which is not received before the date and the time appointed in that behalf shall be rejected.
     
  12. Scrutiny of nomination paper -
     
    1. On the date and at the time appointed by the Returning Officer for the scrutiny of the nomination papers, the candidates and the proposer and the seconder of each candidate may attend the office of the Returning Officer, who shall allow them to examine the nomination papers of the candidates which have been received by him as aforesaid.
       
    2. The Returning Officer shall examine the nomination papers and decide all questions which may arise as to the validity of any nomination.[ Amended by Notification GSR No. 1104 dated 26.9.1973.]
       
  13. Withdrawal of candidate -
     
    1. Any candidate may withdraw his candidature by notice in writing signed by him and delivered to the Returning Officer not later than seventeen clear days before the date appointed for the poll.
       
    2. A candidate who has withdrawn his candidates shall not be allowed to cancel the withdrawal or to be re-nominated as a candidate for the same election.
       
    3. The Returning Officer shall, on receiving a notice of withdrawal, publish the fact of such withdrawal in the Official Gazette.
       
  14. Procedure of election -
     
    1. Where the number of candidates validity nominated is equal to or less than the number of members to be elected, the Returning Officer shall forthwith declare such candidates to be duly elected.
       
    2. Where the number of such candidates is less than the number of members to be elected, the Returning Officer shall commerce fresh proceedings for the election of the remaining members to be elected under clause (c) of sub-section (3) of section 3.
       
    3. Where the number of such candidates exceeds the number of members to be elected, the Returning Officer shall forthwith publish their names and addresses in the Official Gazette and shall further cause their names to be entered in the voting paper in Form No. II.
       
    4. If a poll is found necessary, the Returning Officer shall, fourteen days before the date appointed therefore, send by post to each elector a letter of intimation in Form No. IV together with a numbered declaration paper in Form No. III containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order and bearing the Returning Officer's initials or facsimile signature, a voting paper cover addressed to him (the Returning Officer) and an outer cover also addressed to him. A certificate of posting shall be obtained in respect of each such letter of intimation sent to an elector: Provided that the voting paper and other connected papers may also be sent to any elector on his applying to the Returning Officer for the same before the date appointed for the poll, if the Returning Officer is satisfied that the papers have not been sent to him.
       
    5. An elector who has not received the voting and other connected papers sent to him by post or who has lost them or in whose case the papers before their return to the Returning Officer have been inadvertently spoilt, may transmit a declaration to that effect signed by himself and request the Returning Officer to send him fresh papers and if the papers have been spoilt, the spoilt papers shall be returned to the Returning Officer who shall cancel them on receipt.
       
    6. In every case in which fresh papers are issued, a note shall be kept in a register maintained for the purpose to denote that fresh papers have been issued to certain members.
       
    7. No election shall be invalid by reason of the non-receipt by an elector of his voting paper.
       
  15. Votes to be sent by registered post - Every elector desirous of recording his vote shall, after filing up the declaration paper and the voting paper according to the directions given in the letter of intimation, enclose the voting paper in the voting paper cover, seal up the cover, enclose the cover and declaration paper in the outer envelope addressed to the Returning Officer, and send the outer envelope by registered post at the elector's own cost to the Returning Officer, so as to reach him not later than the date fixed for the poll and all envelopes after that day shall be rejected.
     
  16. Endorsement by Returning Officer on registered cover - On receipt by registered post of the envelopes containing the declaration paper and the closed cover containing voting paper, the Returning Officer shall endorse on the outer envelops the date and hour of receipt.
     
  17. Candidates may be present when registered covers are opened -
     
    1. The Returning Officer shall open the outer envelopes immediately after the closing of the poll at the place to which the envelopes are addressed to him.
       
    2. Any candidate may be present in person or may send a representative duly authorised by him in writing to attend at the time the outer envelopes are opened.
       
  18. Rejection of voting papers -
     
    1. A voting paper cover shall be rejected by the Returning Officer if: _
      1. the outer envelope contains no declaration paper outside the voting paper cover; or
         
      2. the declaration paper is not the one sent by the Returning Officer; or
         
      3. the declaration paper is not signed by the elector, or
         
      4. the voting paper is placed outside the voting paper cover; or
         
      5. more than one declaration paper or voting paper cover have been enclosed in one and the same outer envelope.
         
    2. In each case of rejection, the word "Rejected" shall be endorsed on the voting paper cover and the declaration paper.
       
    3. After satisfying himself that the electors have affixed their signatures to the declaration papers, the Returning Officer shall keep all the declaration papers in safe custody, pending disposal under rule 20(1).
       
  19. Scrutiny and counting of votes -
     
    1. The Returning Officer shall attend, for the purpose of scrutiny and counting of the votes at the date, time and place appointed by him in this behalf: Provided that the date so appointed shall not be later than three days from the date fixed for the poll.
       
    2. All the voting paper covers, other than whose rejected under rule 18, shall be opened and the voting papers taken out and mixed together. The voting papers shall then be scrutinised and the valid votes counted.
       
    3. A voting paper shall be invalid if -
       
      1. it does not bear the Returning Officer's initials, or facsimile signature; or
         
      2. a voter signs his name or writes a word or makes any mark on it, by which it becomes recognizable as his voting paper; or
         
      3. no vote is recorded thereon; or
         
      4. the number of votes recorded there on exceeds the number of seats to be filled; or
         
      5. it is void for uncertainty of the vote exercised.
         
    4. Any candidate may be present in person or may send a representative duly authorised by him in writing to watch the process of counting.
       
    5. The Returning Officer shall show the voting papers, if requested to do so, to the candidates or their authorised representatives at the time of scrutiny and counting of votes.
       
    6. If any objection is made to any voting paper on the ground that it does not comply with the requirement or to any rejection by the Returning Officer of a voting paper, it shall be decided at once by the Returning Officer. [ Amended by Notification GSR No. 1104 dated 26.9.1973. ]
       
    7. The Returning Officer shall nominate such number of scrutinizers as he thinks fit in accordance with such directions as may be issued in this behalf by the Central Government.
       
  20. Declaration of result -
     
    1. When the counting of the votes has been completed, the Returning Officer shall draw up a list of candidates in the order of highest votes polled by each and shall declare the result of the successful candidates in that order according to the number of seats to be filled up.
       
    2. When an equality of votes is found to exist among any candidates and there is difficulty in declaring the result, the determination of the person or persons who shall be deemed to have been elected shall be made by lot to be drawn by the Returning Officer or any other officer authorised by him and in such manner as he may determine.
       
    3. The Returning Officer as soon as the result is declared shall inform the successful candidate by letter of his being elected to the Council.
       
  21. Voting papers to be retained for six months - Upon the completion of the counting and after the result has been declared, the Returning Officer shall seal up the voting papers and all other documents relating to the election and shall retain the same for a period of six months and shall not destroy or cause to be destroyed the records even after six months without the previous concurrence of the Central Government.
     
  22. Result of election - The Returning Officer shall intimate the name of the elected candidates to the Central Government.
     
 

Chapter - IV: Election of President and Vice-President of the Council under sub-section (1) of section 4

[ ... to CoA Rules: Table of Contents ]
  1. Election of President -
     
    1. The President of the Council shall be elected by the members of the Council present at the time of election from amongst themselves.
       
    2. The date, time and place of election shall be intimated, to each of the members of the Council by the nominated President of the Council.1
       
    3. Any member present shall be entitled to propose the name of any other member present for election as the President and that proposal shall be required to be seconded by a member other than the proposer or the one whose name is proposed: Provided that one member shall be entitled to propose or second only one name.
       
    4. Any candidate may withdraw his candidature before the actual election.
       
    5. If the name of only one candidate is duly proposed and seconded, the Returning Officer shall forthwith declare in Form No.VIII such candidate as duly elected.
       
    6. If the number of candidates duly proposed and seconded exceeds one, an election shall be held by secret ballot.
       
    7. Before the commencement of the election, the Returning Officer shall invite the members of the Council to inspect the ballot box, in case they like to do so, and he shall then lock the box.
       
    8. At the time of actual election, the members present in the meeting shall, one by one, sign against their names in the list containing the names of all the members in alphabetical order and placed along side the ballot box.
       
    9. After a member has signed his name in the said list, he shall be given a ballot paper in Form No. VII which he shall drop into the ballot box after affixing there on a cross (X) mark against the name of the candidate of his choice.
       
    10. As soon as the members present and wishing to exercise the right to vote have done so, the Returning Officer shall open the ballot box and take out from it all the ballot papers, examine them and reject as invalid such of them:
       
      1. on which the vote has been given in favour of more than one candidate; or
         
      2. on which vote mark is placed in such a manner as to make it doubtful as to which candidate the vote has been given.
         
    11. The Returning Officer shall then proceed to arrange the valid votes according to the candidates in whose favour they have cast and count them separately for each.
       
    12. After the counting is over, the Returning Officer shall make an announcement in the meeting about the votes secured by each of the candidates and the Returning Officer shall also declare in Form No. VIII the candidate securing the largest number of valid votes as duly elected to be the President of the Council.
       
    13. In the event of two or more candidates securing the same number of votes and that number being more than the number of votes secured by any candidate other than the two or more securing the same number of votes, the determination as between such candidates shall be by draw of lots and the candidate on whom the lot falls, shall be declared elected.
       
  2. Election of Vice-President - For the election of the Vice-President, the provisions of rule 23 shall apply as if for the expressions "President" and "Nominated President" occurring therein, the expressions "Vice-President and "Elected President" were respectively substituted.
     
 

Chapter - V: Election of members of the Executive Committee of the Council under sub-section (2) of section 10

[ ... to CoA Rules: Table of Contents ]
  1. Election of member -
     
    1. The President of the Council shall intimate the date, time and place of the election of members of the Executive Committee to each of the members of the Council.2
       
    2. On the date, time and place fixed for the purpose any member of the Council present may propose the name of any other member of the Council for election as member of the Executive Committee and such proposal shall be required to be seconded by a member of the Council other than the proposer or the one whose name is proposed: Provided that no member can propose or second more names than there are seats of the Executive Committee to be filled up.
       
    3. Any candidate may withdraw his candidature before the actual election.
       
    4. Where the number of candidates duly proposed and seconded is equal to or less than the number of members to be elected, the Returning Officer shall forthwith declare such candidates to be duly elected.
       
    5. Where the number of such Candidates is less than the number of Candidates to be elected, the Returning Officer shall commence fresh proceedings for the election of the remaining members of the Executive Committee to be elected.
       
    6. Where the number of candidates duly proposed and seconded exceed the number of members to be elected, election shall be held by secret ballot.
       
    7. Before the commencement of the election, the Returning Officer shall invite the members of the Council present to inspect the ballot box, in case they like to do so, and he shall then lock the ballot box.
       
    8. At the time of actual election the members present in the meeting shall, one by one, sign against their names in the list containing names of all the members in alphabetical order and placed along side the ballot box. After the member has signed his name in the said list, he shall be given a ballot paper in Form No. IX which he shall drop into the ballot box after affixing thereon cross (X) marks against the names of as many candidates of his choice as there are seats to be filled up.
       
    9. As soon as all the members present and wishing to exercise the right to vote have done so, the Returning Officer shall open the ballot box and take out from it all the ballot papers, examine them and reject as invalid such of them.
       
      1. on which the vote has been given in favour of more candidates than there are seats to be filled up; or
         
      2. on which vote mark is placed in such a manner as to make it doubtful as to which candidate or candidates the vote has been given.
         
    10. The Returning Officer shall proceed to arrange the valid votes according to the candidates in whose favour they have been given and count them separately for each.
       
    11. After the counting is over, the Returning Officer shall make an announcement in the meeting about the votes secured by each of the candidates and the Returning Officer shall also declare in Form No. X the requisite number of the candidates securing the largest number of valid votes as duly elected to be the members of the Executive Committee of the Council.
       
    12. In the event of two or more candidates securing the same number of votes, the determination as