Faridkot, January 25
Days after the municipal committees removed the hoardings of political parties following the implementation of the model code of conduct, political leaders in the fray have started putting up hoardings and other publicity material on private properties.
According to Section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act-1997, defacement of any property in public view by writing or marking with ink, chalk, paint or any other material or by erecting staffs, banners or by pasting notices and writing slogans is prohibited. After the poll code came in force, the Election Commission had issued instructions to political parties contesting the election to remove hoardings and other election publicity material.
However, instead of using public properties, political leaders are now using private properties to put up such hoardings. As per the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act-1997, the use of private properties for installing hoardings or putting posters with the written permission of the owner of the property make no offence.
Otherwise who-so-ever defaces any property in public view by writing or marking is punishable with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to six months or with fine up to Rs 1,000 or with both under the Defacement of Property Act.
For putting up hoardings, banners etc. on private premises/properties, it is necessary to obtain prior written permission from the owner of the premises/properties and photocopy of such permission should be submitted to the Returning Officer or an officer designated by him for the purpose, within three days.
Banners, hoardings put on pvt properties
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