EC proposes to make paid news a poll offence

The Election Commission (EC) has proposed to make paid news an electoral offence, in a bid to stamp out the menace.

Seeking to provide a level-playing field for political parties in elections, it also wants a ceiling on the campaign expenditure of political parties often used as a ruse to pump in unlimited resources.

Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath says if paid news is made an electoral offence, it will serve as a "deterrent" on those violating the law.

"Paid news is really a matter of serious concern for the commission...

it is not an electoral offence. We have proposed to the law ministry that paid news be made an electoral offence," Sampath said. He said once this was done, it can be a ground to take action against the guilty candidate under election petition.

The EC's proposal in this regard to the government is pending for two years. "Action will be more deterrent. As of now it is not backed by law," he explained.

He said political parties in various states the EC visited have expressed concern over the issue of paid news.

Sampath was of the view that organisations such as the Press Council of India and News Broadcasters Association should also use their powers to curb the practice of paid news.

Responding to questions on whether the poll watchdog plans to put a limit on spending by political parties in campaigning, the CEC said that there should be a ceiling.