Strict Guidelines Restrict Political Activity
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, August 26 : As it’s the festival of democracy in its best in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir since dates for polls were announced, however, it is not that easy for political leaders to conduct political activities as they have to strictly follow certain guidelines before planning any political rally or convention.
So, what are these guidelines?
Kashmir Despatch has officially gathered information about these guidelines set by the election commissioner of India.
Here are the guidelines to be followed:
a) Prior approval for security cover must be sought from the concerned Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
b) The expenditure shall be booked against the candidate set up by the party.
c) There must be due consent granted offline.
d) No material should be displayed in verbal, gestural, written or spoken form, which would harass the sentiments of our composite society.
e) No speech/sloganeering should be made to disgrace or hurt the persona of political rivals.
f) No loudspeakers should be used beyond the permissible limits of noise/time.
g) Due care should be taken with respect to soil and water pollution in the grounds used for public gatherings.
h) No action should be carried out against the integrity and solidarity of the Union of India.
i) No arms should be shown or carried during the rally/meeting.
j) No plastic material should be used during such rallies/meetings.
k) Confrontations with other political groups should be avoided.
l) No traffic jams should be caused while undertaking a political activity.
m) The guidelines/instructions of the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of India should be followed in letter and spirit.
n) Display of election posters, hoardings, banners, etc. in any Government/Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) premises is not permitted, even if it is a commercial space.
o) Banners, buntings, flags, cut-outs should be removed by the party immediately after the conclusion of the meeting/rally.
p) No political advertisement should be displayed/pasted at the space provided on lease for commercial advertisement like airports, railway stations, interstate/local bus stands, government transportation, post offices, government hospitals/dispensaries, etc. (except on main highways, main roads, etc.) during the period of the Model Code of Conduct.
q) The organizers should obtain written consent from the private house owner before conducting any meeting/gathering or installing hoardings on their property.
r) The applicant should get the contents of posters/banners approved from the Nodal Officer, Model Code of Conduct, in the first instance.
s) No damage should be caused to public or government property during the event.
t) Cooperation should be extended with security agencies to maintain law and order.
u) The permission can be withdrawn at any point in time, if required, in the interest of administration and the interest of state security.
