New Delhi : The Election Commission has issued an advisory to TV/Radio channels and cable networks asking them not to violate the provisions of Section 126 of the Representation of People's Act, 1951 which prohibits display of poll matter during 48 hours before end of voting. 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.
Violation of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment for upto a period of two years, or with fine or both. "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," said the advisory.
The EC has said that during elections, sometimes there are allegations of violation of the provisions of the above Section 126 of Representation of the People Act, 1951 by TV channels in the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs programmes. 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.
साभार : Press Trust of India
