Follow poll code, Tamil Nadu printing press owners told
As Tamil Nadu prepares to hold the Assembly elections in May 2016, the collectors of the districts in the state, who are also the district electoral officers, are convening meetings with owners of printing presses and publishers, instructing them to follow the model code of conduct as per the provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
23 Mar 2016 | 2382 Views | By Dibyajyoti Sarma
The press owners have been warned against printing anything that could trigger violence during elections. According to officials, posters and pamphlets being printed on behalf of political parties or politicians should carry the name and address of the printing unit without fail, as the Election Model Code of Conduct was in force in the district following the notification for 16 May Assembly polls.
“Along with the copy of printed material, the printing unit owners should submit the ‘A’ and ‘B’ forms issued by the Election Commission of India to the Returning Officer and Tahsildar concerned within three days from the date of printing,” the officials said.
Moreover, the printing cost should also be declared while the printed materials and the forms are submitted, since it will be added to the election expenditure. As the posters and pamphlets being released now are being videographed, any violation will be viewed seriously and cases will be registered under Section 171 H of Indian Penal Code.
Again, the pamphlets should not be against law or point to any individual person, religion, caste, language, or community.