JALANDHAR
Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Additional District Election Officer Dr. Amit Mahajan has issued directives to printers and publishers regarding the election campaign material to be used by political parties and candidates in light of the upcoming by-election for Assembly Constituency 34-Jalandhar West (reserve ).
The additional DEO stated that it is mandatory to print the name and address of the printer and publisher on all election campaign material such as pamphlets, posters, and banners.
During a meeting with printers and publishers at the District Administrative Complex, ADEO stated that no individual shall print any election campaign material such as pamphlets or posters without the name and address of the printer and publisher. He warned that anyone found violating this directive could face up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of up to 2000 rupees, or both.
He also mentioned that if any document or election campaign material contains objectionable content, such as appeals based on religion, race, caste, community, or language, or any objectionable language about the character of an opponent, strict action will be taken against the concerned individual.
He said these restrictions are aimed at curbing unjustified expenses on pamphlets and posters by political parties, candidates, and their supporters.
He also made it clear that strict action would be taken against violators under Section 127-A, including the registration of cases and the cancellation of printing press licenses.
He also stated that before printing election campaign material, the printer must obtain a self-declaration signed by the publisher, and verified by two persons known to the publisher.
He informed that the printer must provide the District Election Office with a declaration, along with the quantity of printed election campaign material and the associated costs, in the prescribed format set by the Election Commission.
He added that teams have already been formed to prevent illegal flexes, posters, and pamphlets during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
He also stated that if any officer fails to implement the aforementioned guidelines and the Election Commission's directives properly, strict departmental action will be taken against them.
Besides that representatives of banks have been asked to submit daily reports on suspicious transactions to avoid the misuse of money in elections.