Ahead of MC poll, defacement Act invoked in Palwal

The district authorities have invoked the provisions of the Defacement of Public and Property Act in wake of the impending civic body elections.

In an order issued on Friday, District Election Officer Dr Harish Kumar Vashisht said no one would be allowed to put up the promotional or publicity material like the cutouts, hoardings, banners, pamphlets and flags at public or private places or making any other form of defacement in violation of the instructions issued by the State Election Commission and the provisions contained in the Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023.

This order has come into effect regarding the election of the Municipal Committee of the Hathin, a subdivisional town in the district. He said while the main motive of the Act was to ensure holding of the elections in peaceful, fair and fear-free environment, the directions issued had been a part of the provision of the the Property Defacement Prevention Act, 1989, which prevents anyone to deface the property of any kind, without prior permission or authorisation. He said while no political party or person would be able to put election-related promotional material on the walls of any government building or private building without permission, the violation would be dealt with under the Act.

The AROs (Assistant Returning Officers) designated as Enforcement Magistrates in their respective areas have been instructed for the implementation. The above orders would remain in force till the completion of the entire election process.