With just two days remaining for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the Election Commission (EC) has imposed the mandatory “silence period” starting Monday, November 18, at 6 PM. During this 48-hour period leading up to the conclusion of voting, any form of political campaigning or activity aimed at influencing voters is strictly prohibited under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In a statement released by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the EC emphasized, “Violations of the silence period rules will invite strict legal action, including imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.” The EC has also reiterated that public rallies, meetings, or events designed to sway voters are banned during this period.
The statement further clarified that all cable networks, TV channels, radio stations, and social media platforms must ensure political advertisements are pre-certified before being broadcast. Uncertified advertisements, directly or indirectly aired during this time, will lead to contempt of court and legal action against the offending platform.
The guidelines also mandate that any print media advertisements supporting or opposing a political party or candidate must carry the publisher’s name and address. Violations will be subject to action under Section 171H of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits unauthorized election campaigning or expenditures without a candidate’s consent.
Political advertisements in print media must receive approval from the Pre-Certification Committee during the silence period, and audio-visual media, including television, radio, cable networks, and social media, are barred from airing political content until voting concludes. The EC highlighted that guidelines for pre-certification were issued on August 24, 2023, and non-compliance will attract legal consequences.
The EC’s stringent measures aim to ensure a fair and unbiased electoral process as Maharashtra gears up for the polls.
