Tseminyu, January 13 (MExN): In connection with the conduct of the election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Tseminyu, Dr Zaskuolie Chusi IAS has notified all village councils and government registered societies, organizations, associations to strictly refrain from the declaration of individual/person as village, ward, Khel consensus candidates
The DC in a notification issued through the state DIPR stated that it is a violation of provisions of Article 326 of Indian constitution, Rule 39 of conduct of election rules 1961 A of representation of people’s Act 1951.
Undue influence or any attempt to interfere with the free exercise of the electoral right by any means- such as threat or injury/restraint or wrongful confinement is an offense under sections 171 C, 339, and 340 of IPC and an attempt to promote enmity between classes in connection with elections on grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language constitutes an electoral offense under section 125 of the representative of people Act 1951 and is punishable under section153A, 153B, 159A and 505(2) of IPC.
The ECI in its instruction No.437/61NST/2014-CC&BE dated 26.04.2014 reiterated the same, prohibiting any organization or group from any activities or statements that amount to an attack on the personal life of any person or are malicious or offensive decency and morality. Any violation of the same by any organization can also lead to debarment and denial of permission to hold any further programmes/activity.
The village councils being an auxiliary to the administration under section 15 of the Nagaland Village Councils Act 1978 are bound to be neutral in matters related to elections.
DC informed all the village councils and government-registered organization, associations under the Tseminyu district to take note of the above-mentioned provisions of the law and refrain from such activities that might otherwise, subvert the individual's free exercise of his/her electoral rights.
‘Any individual, group, organization or village council found acting contrary to the above-mentioned shall invite strict legal action under the relevant provision of law,’ the notification stated.
