Display of election matter through television or communication media will be prohibited

Election Commission of India issued guidelines for media coverage

Bhopal (Team Newsbuddy). The Election Commission of India has issued detailed guidelines in the context of media coverage for the Lok Sabha elections-2024. The Commission has said that as per Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, there will be a ban on displaying any election matter (advertisement or publicity etc.) through television, cinematograph or other similar communication media. This ban will remain in force for a period up to 48 hours before the end of voting in any polling area. The Commission has clarified that no person shall display any election matter to the public through cinematograph, television or other similar equipment. Violation of these provisions can attract imprisonment of up to two years or fine or both. According to the Commission, any attempt to influence the result of the election or any such intention or calculation will be considered as an election matter.

The broadcast of panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs programmes in TV channels is alleged to violate the provisions of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. In this regard, the Commission has clarified that TV/radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the content of the programmes broadcast/displayed by them during the period of 48 hours mentioned in Section 126 does not contain any such material including visuals. Appeals by panelists/participants may be construed as promoting the prospects of a particular party or candidate or influencing the result of the election. This will include display of opinion polls and standard debates, analysis, visual and sound-bytes. This also includes political advertisement on any election matter over TV, cable networks, radio, cinema halls, use of bulk SMS/voice messages, audio visual displays etc at any poll level.