Defacement of property to invite stern action: Kalyan

Haryana State Election Commissioner Devinder Singh Kalyan on Saturday directed strict enforcement of the Haryana Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1989, in the wake of the Model Code of Conduct in force for Municipal and Panchayati Raj Institution elections.

He said several candidates and political parties were illegally putting up posters and banners on public and private properties and defacing walls, which was a violation of the law and adversely affects the aesthetic appeal of the state.

He clarified that under Sections 3 and 3-A of the Act, defacing any property visible in public places by writing or marking with ink, chalk, paint or any other material is strictly prohibited. Similarly, putting up posters, banners or flex boards on government buildings, electric poles, bus stands, public places, or statues, as well as affixing publicity material on public transport, especially State Transport buses, is completely banned. Such acts fall under the category of cognisable offences.He said the cost incurred in removing illegal material would be recovered from the candidate concerned.