Dimapur, March 17 (EMN): Referring to Section 135A of Representation of the People Act 1951 on ‘Offence of booth capturing,’ deputy commissioner (DC) and district election officer (DEO), Kohima, Anoop Khinchi, cautioned that whoever commits an offence of booth capturing would be punishable with imprisonment for a term which would not be less than one year but which might extend to three years and with fine.
According to the DC, Article 326 of the Constitution of India grant universal adult suffrage to every eligible Indian citizen, while Rule 39 of the Conduct of Elections 1961 directs to maintain secrecy of vote by electors.
He stated that open declaration of support in favour of a particular candidate/ political party by a village/ ward/ khel or community through public announcement and even through publication in electronic/ print media etc violates the above provisions.
Therefore, the DC warned that appropriate legal action would be initiated against any village or ward or community or group of people or media house found violating or defying the said provisions in connection with any future elections in the interest of free, fair, transparent election and administering social order.
