EC orders DD not telecast films of actors contesting polls

The decision was made taking into consideration that Doordarshan runs on public funds

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed Doordarshan (DD) not to telecast films of actors who are contesting the Lok Sabha elections.

Replying to a query of Prasar Bharti CEO and Doordarshan Director General, the commission in its order said, "The Commission has considered the matter of telecasting film of actors, who are contesting election, on TV channels. In this connection, telecast of films and commercial advertisements involving films actors who are contesting elections will not be restrained on TV channels or cinema theatres."

"However, telecast of such feature films (other than commercial advertisements) will not be allowed on Doordarshan during the period of the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, considering that Doordarshan is run on public funds," the order stated.