With the Model Code of Conduct in place for the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls, one printing Press was on Sunday sealed and its owner arrested for allegedly not mentioning the details of his establishment on political posters and hoardings created by it.
“Ghanshayam Maheshwari (62) was booked under Sections 3 and 12 of the Press and Registration of Books Act, Section 3 of the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and 127 A of the Representation of the People Act,” said a police official.
Police also recovered 18 hoardings, 20 pamphlets and two banners of various political parties from the printing Press premises. Two bill books were also seized, which mentioned the money paid by political parties. The FIR has been registered at Khajuri Khas Police Station, the official further said. The Election Commission (EC) had cautioned all printing Presses that legal action would be taken against them for failing to publish the details of their establishment on political banners and hoardings produced by them.
The above stipulation is part of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Assembly elections. Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vijay Dev said that during the two days of an enforcement drive on October 3 and 4, five printing works were sealed for publishing political banners and hoardings without mentioning their names and addresses on them. He added that the drive will be intensified in the coming days.