Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan has directed strict enforcement of the Haryana Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1989, in view of the Model Code of Conduct in force for Municipal and Panchayati Raj Institution elections.
He stated that it has come to the notice of the Commission that several candidates and political parties are illegally putting up posters and banners on public and private properties and defacing walls with writings, which is 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 cognizable offences.The Commissioner stated that in such cases, the cost incurred in removing illegal publicity material and restoring the property to its original condition will be recovered from the concerned candidate or political party. If such activities are carried out in favour of a candidate, the candidate will be held responsible unless they can prove that it was done without their knowledge or consent.
He directed that candidates should display publicity material only at designated locations identified by Executive Officers/Secretaries in urban areas and BDPOs/Panchayat Officers in rural areas. Property owners who have not permitted advertisements on their walls may lodge complaints with the concerned observer or Deputy Commissioner.
The Commission has instructed the local administration to ensure that any illegal material is removed within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan emphasized that while participation in democracy is essential, it should not come at the cost of damage to public property.
He appealed to all candidates to follow the Model Code of Conduct and cooperate in ensuring clean and fair elections. Flying squads have also been authorized to take immediate action in such cases.For any complaints, citizens may contact the Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, Returning Officer, or any other authorized officer.