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25 Jan 2019 3:35pm

Bombay HC seeks steps to curb social media exploitation for political gains

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tThe Bombay High Court held that the Election Commission had a Constitutional obligation to hold fair elections and hence, should take steps to prohibit advertisements or paid political content on social media.

A division bench of Chief Justice N H Patil and Justice N M Jamdar was heraring the petition filed by Advocate Sagar Suryavanshi seeking steps to the EC to stop persons, whether politicians or private individuals, from posting advertisements related to politics or elections, or paid political content on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, 48 hours before the election day.

Advocate Pradeep Rajgopal, appearing on behalf of EC , told the SC that the poll panel had recommended an amendment to section 126 (b) of the Representation of Peoples Act, which prohibited public meetings, processions, campaigns etc. 48 hours before polling.

The bench then observed that amendments to the Act would take a lot of time. "Till the amendment is brought, what does EC propose to do about the issues raised in the petition? Elections are coming up. EC should have some answers," Chief Justice Patil said.

The court suggested the EC to pass orders before the approaching Lok Sabha   elections. "The Election Commissioner can issue orders. EC is not helpless. In order to organise and hold fair elections, the EC can issue directions, it is their Constitutional duty."

 


Tagged: Chief Justice N H Patil Justice N M Jamdar Sagar Suryavanshi Pradeep Rajgopal Election Commission Bombay High Court Lok Sabha Facebook Youtube Twitter
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