JALANDHAR.
District election officer cum Deputy commissioner Vishesh Sarangal has said that printers/publishers must publish their names and addresses on any election-related pamphlets/posters or all such other material.
Today in a meeting with the printers and publishers at DAC here, Sarangal said that all pamphlets, posters, handbills, etc. must carry the name of the publisher, printer besides the number of printed copies and a declaration of the publisher must be submitted with all the information regarding this publication.
He said that any person who violated would be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine which may extend to two thousand rupees or both, he added.
He also said that If any such document contains any matter or material that is illegal, offending, or objectionable like an appeal on grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language or character assassination of an opponent, etc., necessary punitive or preventive action would be taken against the persons concerned.
These restrictions also serve the purpose of placing a check on the incurring of unauthorized election expenditure by political parties, candidates, and their supporters on the printing and publication of election pamphlets, posters, etc.
He also made it clear that any violation of the provisions of Section-127-A would be very seriously viewed and stern action, which may in appropriate cases include even the revocation of the license of the printing press would be taken.
Before printing any election pamphlets or posters, etc., the printer shall obtain from the publisher a declaration which shall be duly signed by the publisher and attested by two persons to whom the publisher is personally known.
Along with such printed material and the declaration, the printer shall also furnish the information regarding several copies of documents printed and the price charged for such printing job, in the proforma prescribed by the Commission.
DEO cautioned all political parties, candidates and others concerned that any violation of the law and the Commission’s directions on the above subject will be viewed with utmost concern and the most stringent action possible will be taken against the offenders.
If any officer who is responsible for the enforcement of the above provisions of law and the directions of the Commission is found to have failed in the due discharge of his duties in this regard, he/she will be liable to severe disciplinary action.