Vijay Nehra, collector, Ahmedabad, said, "It is mandatory for the printing press owners to report all the printing job orders with political content within three days. Also, all the printed material must contain the name of the printer; name of the customer; and number of copies printed."

It is necessary for the press owners to be registered with the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) office. The change in ownership of press or address of the facility has to be updated with the SDM. Also, while accepting print orders having political content, a declaration has to filed by the press owner with the customer in presence of two witnesses. 

"These are the rules that are not new but they are seldom followed. The MCC team and the press owners share the responsibility of ensuring that the rules are followed," Nehra added.

According to collectorate officials, the press owners who fail to follow the model code of conduct will face strict actions including sealing of press.