Ahead of polling for the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election scheduled on April 9, the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer (DEO), Mokokchung, has issued a directive warning of strict action against violations of election laws and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
In an official notification, DC & DEO Ajit Kumar Verma stated that the provisions of the MCC are in force across the district and stressed the need for “strict compliance” with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and other legal provisions to ensure a “free, fair and peaceful environment” for voters.
The notification listed a range of electoral offences and corresponding legal provisions. Fraudulent voting or impersonation is punishable under Sections 172/174 of the BNS with imprisonment of up to one year or fine, or both. Booth capturing under Section 135A of the RPA, 1951 carries imprisonment ranging from one to three years along with fine, with higher penalties for government officials.
Defacing or destruction of EVMs/VVPATs under Section 136 of the RPA is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years or fine, while breach of voting secrecy under Section 128 may attract imprisonment of up to three months or fine. Carrying arms near or inside polling stations under Section 134B is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years or fine, or both.
The notification further stated that bribery during elections (Section 170, RPA) and undue influence on voters (Section 171, RPA) are punishable with imprisonment and/or fine as per law. Promoting enmity during the election process under Section 125 of the RPA may attract imprisonment of up to three years or fine, or both. False declarations in electoral rolls under Section 31 carry imprisonment of up to one year or fine, while violation of the silence period under Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years or fine, or both. (Refer table)
Directing officials to remain vigilant, Verma instructed all zonal and sector magistrates, sector commanders, presiding officers, and deployed security personnel to strictly deal with any violations in their respective areas, particularly on polling day. He stated that violators should be “immediately identified, apprehended and arrested” with the assistance of security personnel.
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The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Mokokchung, has also been asked to make necessary arrangements for the arrest and transportation of violators to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
The DEO reiterated that strict enforcement is aimed at enabling voters to exercise their franchise “without fear, favour or undue pressure” in the constituency.
