The Election Commission of India has urged political parties to follow model code during political meetings and rallies. Political parties have been urged to give advance information to local authorities about place and time of proposed meeting so that traffic and can be controlled and law & order maintained.
The commission has also urged political parties and candidates to ensure whether prohibitory orders are in place in the area where they plan to hold meeting. Political parties should also obtain prior permission for use of loudspeakers and any other facility.They should seek help of policemen on the duty to deal with trouble-mongers at public meetings and not to take action against such persons themselves.
The commission urged political parties and candidates to ensure during rallies to give prior information to administrative officers about their originating place, route and culmination place and time. No sudden change should be made in rally programme. Organisers should give prior information to the police so that necessary arrangements can be made.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified about enforcement of Prevention of Defacement of Properties Act in view of lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh.The commission has said that the Act should be enforced strictly in the states where it exists.
According to the Commission, in the states where Prevention of Defacement of Property Act is not in force, flags, banners, hoardings etc. can be displayed on private houses or properties with landlord’s permission.If no action is taken under the Act against the political party and the candidate, the Commission would take strict action against the officers concerned.