<p>With television channels showing the release of the BJP’s election manifesto and its contents on a day when polling in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections took place, the Election Commission (EC) is examining the issue to determine whether this is in violation of rules.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“The matter is being examined legally in depth,” said EC sources here on Monday.<br />They said release of the manifesto on a polling day was not an issue before the commission, but its telecast in regions where election took place is being examined.<br />Five constituencies in Assam and one in Tripura went to polls on Monday.<br /><br />Asked about the issue, Election Commissioner H S Bramha said telecast of news showing release of the manifesto should have been avoided in the areas where voting was taking place.<br /><br />Asked whether the EC would serve notice on TV channels in this regard, he said the matter would be discussed with experts.<br /><br />Though Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath has made it clear that there is no bar on a party releasing its manifesto on a poll day, he clearly said it cannot be publicised or telecast in areas where elections are being held.<br /><br />Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act says: “Telecast of the manifesto during the 48-hour period is thus likely to be a violation of 126 (1)(b)”. The section prohibits public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of the poll.</p>
<p>With television channels showing the release of the BJP’s election manifesto and its contents on a day when polling in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections took place, the Election Commission (EC) is examining the issue to determine whether this is in violation of rules.<br /><br /></p>.<p>“The matter is being examined legally in depth,” said EC sources here on Monday.<br />They said release of the manifesto on a polling day was not an issue before the commission, but its telecast in regions where election took place is being examined.<br />Five constituencies in Assam and one in Tripura went to polls on Monday.<br /><br />Asked about the issue, Election Commissioner H S Bramha said telecast of news showing release of the manifesto should have been avoided in the areas where voting was taking place.<br /><br />Asked whether the EC would serve notice on TV channels in this regard, he said the matter would be discussed with experts.<br /><br />Though Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath has made it clear that there is no bar on a party releasing its manifesto on a poll day, he clearly said it cannot be publicised or telecast in areas where elections are being held.<br /><br />Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act says: “Telecast of the manifesto during the 48-hour period is thus likely to be a violation of 126 (1)(b)”. The section prohibits public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of the poll.</p>