In a reply to an RTI filed by activist Pratul Shahdeo seeking clarification regarding money seized by the Flying Squads (FS) and Static Surveillance Team (SST) during elections, the EC has said the authorities cannot seize money if it is not meant to be used in the elections and carried by a non-political person.
Answering for the first question — while Checking cash more than 50,000 is found with persons others than political persons or without campaign material or flag, the EC replied, “If the cash is more than Rs50,000 and is found with person other than political person or without campaign material than it shall not be seized, provided that (i) there is no suspicion of any crime or bribing of electors, (ii) there is no plaint against the person.”
While for the second question, if SST finds more than 10 lakhs from a businessman, the EC said, “If the cash found is more than 10 lakh in possession of any person, the information shall be forwarded to the nodal officer of Income Tax Dept. at O/o the DG IT (Inv.) or assistant/dy. Director of Income Tax In charge of the District for necessary action under Income Tax law.”