1. Election Commission serves to show cause notice to Tipra Motha chief for controversial Facebook post.
2. Debbarma instructed to take down the post promptly and provide an explanation by 2 PM.
3. Notice issued on April 19 over alleged violation of electoral laws.
Agartala, April 19: The Election Commission issued a show cause notice to Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma for a controversial Facebook post on April 19. Debbarma was directed to remove the post immediately and provide an explanation by 2 PM the same day.
The notice cited Section 126(1)(b) of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, which restricts the display or propagation of election matters through various media platforms, including social media, 48 hours before the conclusion of the poll in a particular area.
The Election Commission emphasized that statements made by leaders on public platforms influence voters’ opinions and, therefore, must adhere to electoral laws and the Model Code of Conduct.
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The notice pointed out that Debbarma’s post appeared to appeal to a specific community to vote for a particular party, violating electoral laws.
As per electoral regulations, Debbarma was instructed to remove the post immediately and provide an explanation by 2 PM on April 19 to avoid further action for violating the Election Code of Conduct.
The Election Commission highlighted that the Model Code of Conduct came into force with the announcement of General Elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, 2024.
Additionally, the notice reiterated the restrictions under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibiting political parties and candidates from convening, attending, or addressing public meetings or processions 48 hours before the conclusion of the poll.
This restriction was applicable from 5:00 PM on April 17, 2024, to the conclusion of the poll on April 19, 2024, for the Tripura West PC in connection with the General Election to Lok Sabha, 2024.
