Section 126 of Representation of the People Act of 1951
01, Mar 2023
Prelims level : Governance
Mains level : GS-II Polity; Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies – Election Commission
Why in News?
- The Election Commission (EC) has asked social media platform Twitter to take down a video post on Meghalaya’s Deputy Chief Minister as its content was found to be in violation of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act of 1951.
- Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act
- Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951, inter-alia, prohibits election campaign activities through public meetings, processions, etc.
- Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951 deals with the prohibition of public meetings during a period of 48 hours ending with an hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll.
According to Section 126 (1):
- Section 126(1)(a): No person shall hold, attend, or address any public meeting or procession in connection with an election.
- Section 126(1)(b): No person shall display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar means.
- Section 126(1)(c): No person shall propagate any election matter to the public in any polling area during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in that polling area.
- Section 126 (2) of the RP Act provides the provisions for punishment with imprisonment up to two years or a fine, or with both for individuals who violate the provisions of Section 126 (1) of the RP Act.