Mangalore: EC bars banners of political leaders in religious programmes
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Mar 15: Election code of conduct is in force on account of ensuing Lok Sabha election. Therefore, the Election Commission (EC) has banned use of banners pertaining to political leaders in religious programmes being held in Dakshina Kannada district.
No banners or flex boards conveying best wishes, welcome etc depicting political parties or personalities can be displayed at such programmes, clarified district deputy commissioner, A B Ibrahim, in a press statement.
This ban applies to all functions like car festivals, annual festivals, festivals in churches, etc. None of the banners of the above kind can have names of political leaders, their pictures, party symbols, etc, he added.
He said that conducting of political activities in the premises of, or under the aegis of religious institutions, propagating, organizing meetings, collecting donations, sheltering accused persons or criminals, allowing hoarding of weapons or contraband goods, conducting activities which have the potential of giving rise to enmity or jealousy between different groups or vitiating religious or linguistic atmosphere, allowing activities which compromise with national unity and honour etc are punishable offences under the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act 1988, adding that those found to be violating these provisions can be sentenced for up to five years in jail with a fine of Rs 10,000.
He however, clarified that display of banners and buntings will be permitted subject to rules and regulations, connected with religious programmes, temple festivals etc in the district, and that these do not get affected by the code of conduct. He also said that disbursement of pensions under social security scheme, old age pension, widow pensions etc may be delayed, and it might take time to dispose of applications received under various schemes because of the code of conduct now in force.
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