Directives in connection to the media coverage have been issued by the Election Commission of India under the section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 to be followed during the Vidhan Sabha Election scheduled to be held in 5 states including Madhya Pradesh.

The Commission has imposed ban on telecast etc of any issue related to the election in the constituencies on TV and other devices before 48 hours of the end of the fixed time of the election process. In case of violation, punishment of 2 years imprisonment or fine or both can be imposed.

Complaints as regard to panel discussions/ debate being telecasted on the TV channels and other news besides programmes based on current status during the election process are being received by the Commission in connection to the violation of the provisions of the Act.

The Commission has also clarified it before that telecast or display of any subject related to election on TV etc is banned in the assembly constituencies during the 48 hours of the end of the fixed time of the election process.

The Commission has reiterated that TV/ Radio Channels and cable network will not telecast/relay views of the panelists/participants of the discussions including other things during the period of 48 hours, which gives a sense of feeling that the possibility of victory of any political party or contestant is being encouraged and prejudiced or the election is being influenced.

The Commission has drawn attention of all the publicity mediums towards the directives of the Press Council of India, which make press responsible to give materialistic information related to the election and contestants. 

Under the provisions of the election, communal and election campaign based on based on caste is banned. The Press Council of India has given instructions that press should avoid publication of such news, which create conflict among the people on the basis of religion, caste, creed, sector language.      

According to the Press Council of India, the press should avoid publication of indecent news and statement of criticism which impact negatively on candidate’s election on the basis of personality and behavior of candidate or candidacy or withdrawal of name.  The press should not publish unverified news against the candidate/ political party. Besides, press should not accept any kind of financial or other favours to build image of any candidate/political party.