Srinagar, Mar 18: In anticipation of the forthcoming LokSabha elections, the Chief Election Officer of Jammu and Kashmir has released a comprehensive set of guidelines concerning the printing and publication of election-related material across the Union Territory (UT).
In an official communication, the Chief Electoral Officer directed all registered printers and publishers within the UT to comply with section 127-A of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951. The new guidelines mandate that every election pamphlet, poster, and related material prominently display the names and addresses of both the printer and the publisher. This step aims to ensure transparency and traceability in the dissemination of election propaganda.
Printers are now required to obtain a declaration from the publisher, duly signed and attested by two individuals who personally know the publisher. This declaration must be submitted in duplicate to the printer, who must then forward a copy to the Chief Electoral Officer or the District Magistrate, depending on where the material is printed.
The guidelines clarify that any method of reproducing documents, other than manual copying, falls under the definition of printing. An ‘election pamphlet or poster’ is defined as any printed document intended to influence the election of a candidate or group of candidates. However, materials that merely announce election meetings or provide routine instructions to election agents or workers are exempt from these rules.
Stringent penalties await violators, including imprisonment for up to six months, fines up to two thousand rupees, or both. The notice warns that any contravention will be met with severe action, including the revocation of the printing press’s license.
Printers and publishers are also instructed to submit four copies of the printed material, along with the publisher’s declaration, to the relevant authorities within three days of printing. This measure ensures accountability and enables electoral officers to verify compliance.
Additionally, printers must furnish information regarding the number of copies printed and the price charged for each printing job, using the prescribed proforma provided by the Commission.
The Chief Electoral Officer emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. These guidelines, he stated, are crucial for establishing clear accountability for all printed election materials. He urged all printers and publishers to strictly adhere to these guidelines to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
These measures underscore the commitment of the electoral authorities to safeguard the sanctity of elections and maintain transparency in the electoral process.
