The district administration has convened an important meeting of publishers and printers of the city in regards with ensuing Assembly elections at the Collectorate, on Thursday. During the meeting, senior administrative officials informed that the Election Commission has issued directives for ensuing elections in accordance with which, it is mandatory to have the name and address of the printer and publisher on campaign materials such as pamphlets, posters and leaflets. Likewise, serial number must be printed on printed material.

 

Violation of these guidelines will result in legal action, including up to six months of imprisonment or fine of up to Rs 2,000 or both. During the meeting, officials stated that printers and publishers must strictly adhere to Section 127(k) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the directives issued by the Election Commission of India. Failure to comply with these rules will result in legal action against violators. To ensure fair elections, it is mandatory for all publishers and printers to prominently display name, address and serial number of printed and published campaign materials. Officials also highlighted requirement for printers and publishers to submit four copies of printed material to the District Election Office’s accounts branch within three days of publication, along with a declaration letter.

 

Expenditure related to printed and published material will be accounted for in candidate’s expenditure ledger. They said publishers and printers are strictly prohibited from publishing any material that violates model code of conduct, promotes hatred, incites religious sentiments or contains objectionable content. The meeting also provided directions for providing information to the District Election Office in the prescribed format. Those who attended the meeting were Deputy Collector Monica Baghmare, Assistant Director of Public Relations M S Uike, Assistant Commercial Tax Officer Astha Soni, printers and publishers.