ECI asks CEO, Gujarat, to lodge FIR against some news channels

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on December 13, 2017, received reports and complaints to the effect that some of TV channels in Gujarat have displayed interview given by Congress president elect Rahul Gandhi talking about elections to Legislative Assembly of Gujarat, which are currently in progress and the second phase of polls will be held on December 14, 2017.

Such display falls within the definition of “election matter” under Section 126 (3) of Representation of the People Act, 1951, and display of such election matter within 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll in the poll going areas amounts to violation of Section 126 (1)(b) of Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The Commission after due deliberations has, therefore, directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat to initiate necessary action by filing FIR against those who have violated the above mentioned provisions in phase 2 districts in Gujarat going to poll on December 14, 2017, according to a PIB release.

Further, those TV channels which are violating the provisions of Section 126 (1)(b) by displaying said election matter in phase 2 districts in Gujarat have been directed to forthwith stop the display of such matter.