EC Orders FIRs Against TV Channels For Telecasting Rahul Gandhi’s Interview In Gujarat’s Poll-bound Districts

The Election Commission on Wednesday received complaints that some TV channels in Gujarat had telecast an interview of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in which he talks about elections to the Legislative Assembly of Gujarat that are currently in progress and the second phase of which is scheduled to be conducted on Thursday.

"Such display falls within the definition of “election matter” under Section 126 (3) of Representation of the People Act, 1951 and display of such election matter within 48 hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll in the poll going arears, amounts to violation of Section 126 (1)(b) of Representation of the People Act, 1951", states Election Commission's press release.

The Commission, after due deliberations, has directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat to initiate necessary action by filing FIR against those who have violated the above-mentioned provisions.

Further, those TV channels, which are violating the provisions of Section 126(1)(b) by displaying the interview in poll-bound districts, have been directed to forthwith stop the telecast.