NEW DELHI, Mar 23: The Election Commission of India through a press note issued today   stressed   on the   media coverage guidelines   to be adhered during the crucial ‘48 hours’ period   which is as per   Section 126 of RP Act, 1951.
These guidelines   will be applicable for the general election for the 17th Lok Sabha, 2019 and state legislative assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh,Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim, conducted simultaneously.
Accordingly, there will be full prohibition of displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency. Any person who contravening   this shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
The Commission through the press release has also clarified that TV/Radio channels and cable networks/internet website/social media platforms should ensure that the contents of the programmes telecast/broadcast/ displayed by them during the period of 48 hours   do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as promoting/ prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/ affecting the result of the election. This shall, among other things include display of any opinion poll and of standard debates, analysis, visuals and sound-bytes.
ECI has also reiterated that   according to   Section 126A of the R.P. Act 1951, there will also be prohibition to   conduct   exit poll and dissemination of its results during the period mentioned therein, i.e. the hour fixed for commencement of poll in the first phase and half an hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the states.
During the period not covered by Section 126, concerned TV/Radio/Cable/FM channels/internet websites/social media platforms are free to approach the state/ district/ local authorities for necessary permission for conducting any broadcast/telecast related events, other than exit polls, which must also conform to the provisions of the model code of conduct, the programme code laid down by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Cable Network (Regulation) Act with regard to decency, maintenance of communal harmony, etc. All internet websites and social media platforms must also comply with the provisions of The Information Technology  Act  2000   and   relevant   ECI  guidelines. ECI Press Release

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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