Election 2017: Will take stern action if Model Code of Conduct is violated, says EC

In a strong letter, citing a recent judgement of the Supreme Court, the Election Commission said peace and tranquility during the polls process is “absolutely essential New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday warned political parties that it will not remain a “silent spectator” and will undertake stern steps if the model code of conduct or poll laws are violated by them during the forthcoming Assembly elections in five states. In a strong letter, citing a recent judgement of the Supreme Court, the Election Commission said peace and tranquility during the polls process is “absolutely essential for free and peaceful conduct of elections in the country.” “As you are kindly aware the model code of conduct and various provisions of IPC, inter alia, provide that political parties and their leaders should desist from making statements to the effect of creating disharmony between different sections of society on the basis of religion as the same disturb peace and tranquility of the society which is absolutely essential for free and peaceful conduct of elections. The court held that the provisions of the R P Act, which say that seeking vote by a candidate in the name of “his” religion, caste, race and language in the election law, included candidates, his agents and voters also. “An appeal in the name of religion, race, caste, community or language is impermissible under the R P Act, 1951 and would constitute a corrupt practice sufficient to annul the election in which such an appeal was made regardless whether the appeal was in the name of the candidate’s religion or the religion of the election agent or that of the opponent or that of the voter’s,” the apex court order had said.