2024 Lok Sabha polls: Political adverts to be pre-certified by MCMC, says CEO

Jammu, March 18: The Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir has announced that all political advertisements for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls must be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before telecast or broadcast on various platforms.

In accordance with a Supreme Court order from April 13, 2004, and guidelines set by the Election Commission of India, the pre-certification process will apply to political ads from registered parties, organizations, associations, contesting candidates, or individuals.

This mandate extends to advertisements across television, cable networks, cinema halls, radio, private FM channels, public displays, e-newspapers, social media, internet websites, bulk SMS/voice messages, and print media.

According to a notification issued here today by the office of Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir in this regard, the pre-certification will also include advertisements to be displayed in cinema halls/radio including private FM channels, audio visual displays in public places, advertisements in e-newspapers, use of bulk SMS/voice messages, advertisements on social media and internet websites. The pre-certification of political advertisements is also applicable on print media as well for one day before poll day (Pre-Poll) and on poll day.

The notice emphasizes that only pre-certified political advertisements by the MCMC of the district or UT Level Committee will be permitted for telecast, broadcast, or posting on social media and internet platforms. Additionally, print advertisements must also be pre-certified for publication in newspapers, magazines, hoardings, banners, pamphlets, etc., one day before the poll day and on the poll day itself.

Any violation of these regulations will be taken seriously, and appropriate action will be initiated against the offenders, the notice warns.