BJP, TV channels run risk of violating poll law on manifesto

BJP and the electronic media run the risk of falling foul of the provisions of law if the party releases its manifesto on April 7 and TV channels telecast it on the day polling in the nine-phased Lok Sabha elections begins in Tripura and Assam.
However, the party is unfazed saying it is the prerogative of a political party to come out with its manifesto as and when it desires.
The scheduled release of the manifesto may attract provisions of the law that bars display of any "election matter" on television during 48 hours ending with the conclusion of poll in six Lok Sabha constituencies on April 7 in Assam and Tripura.

Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla told a press conference in Patna that there was no provision in law or the Commission's instructions that manifesto can be released or not released on certain dates.
However, he referred to provisions in Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act and said "telecast of the manifesto during the 48-hour period is thus likely to be a violation of 126 (1)(b)".
The section prohibits public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of the poll.
Under this provision, no person shall address any public meeting or hold a procession in connection with an election or display to the public any election matter "by means of cinematography, television or other similar apparatus".

Election Commission sources said the Commission was not in the picture now because the issue can be taken up by any aggrieved person only after the commission of an "offence" under Section 126 of the RP Act.