Sagar Suryavanshi Pune advocate In recent years, there has been a concern with respect to general elections and political advertisements. Advocates like Sagar Suryavanshi have suggested that at least 48 hours before these elections are held, it can be best to avoid publishing political ads on social media. It has also been noted that a PIL regarding the same had been submitted by Sagar Suryavanshi Pune advocate. With the involvement of bodies like ECI, it can be hoped that such ads may not receive permission to be posted on the internet, given the timeframe.
Public Interest Litigation for Political Ads on Social Media
The PIL by Mr. Suryavanshi had been made under the Representation of Peoples Act – Section 126. This act has been formed in 1951. As a part of the mentioned Act, meetings in the public that are associated with the elections have not been allowed. Along with the meetings, processions, public displays, etc., are also prohibited. The time period mentioned for the same has been of 48 hours before the elections.
Following the public interest litigation of Sagar Suryavanshi advocate, bodies such as the Election Commission of India have been involved in the concern. However, as other advocates have shared, the body may not have the essential power to implement a solution. In regard to this, it has been found that a committee has been established. The role of this committee has been to work on amending the Representation of Peoples Act’s Section 126.
The committee introduced for amending Section 126 has been expected to give more power to the Election Commission of India/ECI. Post the amendment, before posting a political ad on social media platforms, getting the permission of this body can be required.
On failing to obtain this permission, it may not be possible to publish the advertisement 48 hours before the beginning of the general elections. It can also be assumed that posting the ad despite not gaining any permission from ECI may lead to a punishment.
Opinion of Judges and ECI’s Powers
With reference to Sagar Suryavanshi advocate PIL and the concern of other advocates, the judges have also expressed their opinions. They have stated that the Election Commission of India may not be lacking the power for stopping the publishing of political advertisements on the internet near the election time.
The judges have also said that for concerns such as Mr. Suryavanshi’s public interest litigation, authorities can be put in place. It can be speculated that the amendments may also be done for the empowerment of ECI. However, to initiate the same, time can be required.
Approval of PIL for Fair Elections
Recently, the PIL filed by Mr. Suryavanshi was approved by the High Court of Judicature Bombay. With its approval, the advocate has led to a positive change. His public interest litigation will play a significant role in the organization of free and fair elections. Thus, the national elections will stay unaffected by political ads on social media.
