Tura, Jan 23: In view of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force in the 11 (eleven) Assembly Constituencies under West Garo Hills district and in order to ensure free and fair elections, the District Election Officer has notified the general public on certain rules to be followed.
“As per section 171 B of Indian Penal Code, any person giving or accepting any gratification in cash or kind during election process with a view to inducing the person to exercise his electoral right is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both,” the DEO’s notification read.
Further, as per section 171 C of Indian Penal Code 1860, any person who threatens any candidate or elector, or any other person, with injury of any kind, is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both, it added.
According to the notification, Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Squads have been constituted to register cases against both the giver and the taker of bribe and for taking action against those who engaged in threat and intimidation of electors and all citizens have been requested to report bribery cases on the toll free number 03651-222001 and mobile no. 9233473074 of the 24X7 Complaint Monitoring Cell set up for receiving and acting on the complaints.
Moreover, in pursuance of specific instructions of the Election Commission of India, the District Election officer has appealed to all that anybody carrying cash of Rs. 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand) and above in any area, falling under West Garo Hills during the electioneering exercise, without proper explanation on the source and end use of cash shall be liable to seizure by the Flying Squad/ Static Surveillance Teams deployed for Election Expenditure Monitoring in the district.
“Documents, such as PAN Card and a copy of the same (if any), Business Registration Certificate copy (if any), Copy of the cash book (In case of business involving regular cash transaction), and evidence for the end use of the cash, like marriage invitation, hospital admission, other emergencies, etc., should be produced to show the source and end use of such cash in order to avoid seizure by the Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Squads deployed for the purpose,” the notification added.