Election Commission today received Reports & Complaints to the effect that some of the TV channels in Gujarat have displayed interview given by Sh. Rahul Gandhi of Indian National Congress, in which Shri. Rahul Gandhi has been talking about the election to Legislative Assembly of Gujarat, which are currently in progress and for which 2nd phase of the poll is scheduled to be taken tomorrow i.e. 14th December 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 the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in the poll going areas, amounts to a 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 tomorrow i.e. 14th December 2017.
Further, those TV channels which are violating the provisions of Section 126 (1)(b) by displaying said election matter in phase 2 district in Gujarat have been directed to forthwith stop the display of such matter.
Election Commission of India
New Delhi: 13th December, 2017
