New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a provision in the election law barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of polling, following complaints that it has failed to keep pace with information technology.
In an order issued on Sunday night, it said the proposed committee will have members from the poll panel, the information and broadcasting, law and IT ministries, in addition to those from the National Broadcasters Associations (NBA) and Press Council of India (PCI).
They will "examine these provisions in the prevailing context of communication technologies and suggest required changes", it said.
The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi's TV interviews and the release of the BJP manifesto -- all after campaigning had ended in Gujarat.
The poll panel accepted that Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act does not take into account the revolution in communication technologies.
"It appears imperative to revisit the provisions relating to the last 48 hours before completion of poll to appropriately address challenges unleashed by fast changing technologies in the context of multi-phase polls," the EC said.
In an order issued on Sunday night, it said the proposed committee will have members from the poll panel, the information and broadcasting, law and IT ministries, in addition to those from the National Broadcasters Associations (NBA) and Press Council of India (PCI).
They will "examine these provisions in the prevailing context of communication technologies and suggest required changes", it said.
The poll panel accepted that Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act does not take into account the revolution in communication technologies.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Poll Body Expresses Displeasure On Maharashtra's Non Compliance With Orders Explained: Why Election Commission Changed Haryana Voting Date Haryana Poll Dates Revised From October 1 To 5, Counting Of Votes 3 Days Later "Sit Quiet": Bhavish Aggarwal As Kunal Kamra Flags Ola EV Issue "There's One India": Canada Reaffirms Support For Territorial Integrity "Will Campaign For BJP If... ":Arvind Kejriwal Challenges PM Modi 1 Dead, 10 Injured In Shooting Attack In Southern Israel: Cops Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu Arrives In India For 1st Bilateral Visit What If Exit Poll Trends Mirror Actual Results In Haryana And J&K? Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.