The Election Commission of India on Wednesday imposed ban on telecast of election-related issues on TV channels and print media during the prescribed period of 48 hours before polling.
While issuing new directives and guidelines regarding media coverage under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, during the forthcoming Assembly elections which will be held in five States including Madhya Pradesh, the Commission also warned that any violation of its directive may entail two years’ imprisonment and fine or both.
It further informed that the Commission had been receiving many alleged violation of provisions of Act by TV channels in the form of panel discussions or debates and current affairs programmes.
The Commission also informed that display of any election matters by means of television or similar apparatus is prohibited during the prescribed period of 48 hours before polling. The commission has reiterated that TV/radio channels and cable networks will not telecast/broadcast any material including views/appeals by panellists/participants during the period of 48 hours that may be construed as promoting/prejudicing the prospects of any particular party or candidate or influencing/affecting the election result.
During the period other than above-mentioned period, TV/Radio/cable networks will be free to approach the State/district/local authorities for permission of telecast or broadcast. This should be under the provisions of model code of conduct and Information and Broadcasting and Cable Network (Regulation) Act. The channels will also have to comply with directives issued by the commission on August 27, 2012, regarding paid news and related issues.
The Commission has also drawn attention of all media to guidelines issued by Press Council of India according to which it will be the duty of the press to give objective reports about the elections and candidates.
The newspapers are not expected to indulge in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about any candidate/party or incident during the elections. While reporting on the actual campaign, a newspaper should not leave out any important point raised by a candidate and make an attack on his her opponent. Election campaigns along communal or caste lines are banned under the elections rules. The Press Council of India has directed that press should avoid reports, which tend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of religion, race, caste, community or language.
According to the Press Council, the press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements which might cause adverse effect on the personal character and conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or his candidature. The press should not publish any unverified report about any candidate/political party. The press should not accept any kind of inducement to project a candidate/party. It should not accept hospitality or other facilities from any candidate/party.
The press is not expected to indulge in canvassing or a particular candidate/party. The press will not accept/publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer, regarding achievements of any party/candidate. The press will observe guidelines/directives issued by Election Commission/ Returning Officers or Chief Electoral Officer from time to time, it further added.