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Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section(1) of the act will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

EC clarifies over covering of election campaign during the period referred to in Section 126 of R.P. Act, 1951

02-Feb-2012, 09:47

The Election Commission (EC) of India has released a press release regarding the Covering of election campaign during the period referred to in Section 126 of R.P. Act, 1951.

The press release stated that Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency. The EC indicated that any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section(1) shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

The Commission has also clarified that while telecasting/broadcasting programmes like debate/panel discussions, current affairs programmes etc., it should be ensured that these do not violate the provisions of Section 126, and that programmes involving candidates and leaders of political parties including interviewing or projecting any candidate or political party or its leaders not be telecast/broadcast during the prohibited period of 48 hours mentioned in Section 126.

The Commission once again reiterates that the TV/Radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the contents of programmes telecast/broadcast /displayed by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section 126 do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as promoting/ prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/affecting the result of the election.