EC crackdown in India

In the wake of a series of hate speeches by political leaders in various states, the Election Commission has instructed parties to submit unedited video recordings of their public meetings to the poll panel.

"Political parties will now have to submit unedited CDs of video recordings of their public meetings to the EC within six hours of such a meeting," assistant CEO, West Bengal, Amitjyoti Bhattacharya told media persons here.

The chief electoral officers have been asked to closely monitor campaigns on a day to day basis and initiate quick legal action against politicians delivering hate speeches, as per the EC order.

The commission has also directed that it would be the responsibility of the district magistrate and police superintendents to start simultaneous proceedings for the model code of conduct violations and electoral offences.

"After verifying the factual evidence, the DM and SP shall ensure that legal course of action like filing of FIR...is initiated without delay. Further course of action of the FIR will be closely monitored...the action taken shall be brought to the notice of the CEO immediately and also to the public knowledge through the media.." the EC order said.