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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued comprehensive directives on prior approval of political advertisements in print media. These measures aim to preserve fairness during the upcoming Assembly and bye-elections.
Earlier, on March 15, the Commission announced election schedules for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. It also declared bye-elections across six states.
The ECI stated that no political entity, candidate, organisation, or individual may publish print advertisements on poll day or the preceding day without certification.
The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) must grant this approval at the district or state levels. Candidates and independent applicants must approach the District MCMC.
Recognised political parties based in a state or union territory may apply through the State-level MCMC.
The Commission outlined specific dates for compliance. Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will vote on April 9.
Advertisements on April 8 and 9 will require certification. Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23, making April 22 and 23 subject to approval norms.
West Bengal will conduct polling in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Certification will apply on April 22-23 for Phase I and April 28-29 for Phase II.
Applicants must submit requests at least two days before publication. Authorities have activated MCMCs to ensure swift processing.
The Commission also instructed committees to curb paid news strictly.
On April 5, the ECI reported enforcement actions exceeding Rs 650 crore. Agencies seized cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals, and inducements.
The Electronic Seizure Management System recorded Rs 651.51 crore in total seizures since February 26.
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