EC asks media to avoid reports promoting enmity during Mah, Haryana polls

EC asks media to avoid reports promoting enmity during Mah, Haryana polls

AHEAD of Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana. the Election Commission has reminded the media of Press Council of India guidelines to avoid reports which promote feelings of enmity.

The EC's move comes against the backdrop of cases of hate speeches made during campaign for Assembly by polls in Uttar Pradesh recently.

The poll body has also reminded the media of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act which prohibit "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'. The poll watchdog said election campaign along communal or casic lines is banned under the election rules. "Hence, the press should eschew reports, which lend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of religion, race, caste, community or language." an EC statement said referring to ok of the PCI guidelines.

The poll watchdog also reminded that there is a prohibition on conduct of exit poll and dissemination of their results during the period - from the hour fixed for commencement of polls and half hour after the time fixed for close of poll. "During elections, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions of. ..Section 126 of the Representation of die People Act. 1951 by TV channels in the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs programmes, it said." 

Posted in: News 2014