The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all the returning officers (ROs) and district collectors of all the 29 lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh to
ensure enforcement of the Prevention of Defacement of Properties Act.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State has asked the ROs and district collectors to ensure that all police station in-charges, flying squads and surveillance teams effectively enforce the law.
It has said that a Government department, which owns the concerning property, should also ensure compliance of the model code of conduct and the Prevention of Defacement of Properties Act. If a concerning officer in charge of any department does not take any action in this regard, then he will be proceeded against.
In its directive issued on March 11, the Commission clarified the procedures under the Prevention of Defacement of Properties Act and about the use of flags and other electioneering materials by political parties and candidates.
The Commission wants that the Act's provisions should be enforced strictly in the States where there is a ban on display of flags, banners, hoardings etc. Such materials should not be displayed on private and public property there.
However, according to the Commission, in the States where the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act is not in force, flags, banners, hoardings etc. can be displayed on private houses or properties with the owners' permission.