CEO notifies on offences, malpractices

Kohima, February 16 (MExN): In view of the ensuing State general election, office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland has informed of offences and corrupt practices pertaining to statements which are punishable under various sections of the law.  

Statements promoting or attempting to promote on ground of religion, race, caste, community or language, feeling of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India will attract three years imprisonment or fine or both under Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Section 153 A of the Indian Penal Code.  

Meanwhile, “whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement or report containing rumour or alarming news with intent to create or promote, on ground of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever, feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years, or with fine or with both” under Section 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code.  

A notification to all the Deputy Commissioners & District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police of Nagaland from Additional Chief Electoral Officer N Moa Aier further stated that “the promotion of or attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of Indian on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language, by a candidate or his agent or any other person with the consent of a candidate or his election agent for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate” is a corrupt practice under Section 123 (3A) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. For this, it said, “corrupt practices can be agitated in an Election Petition before the High Court.”  

The officials were informed to bring the above information to the notice of all section of people under their jurisdiction so as not to indulge in such malpractices. In case any person or group is found indulging in the above offences, FIR under the relevant section should be filed, the notification added.