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EC places restrictions on Bengal's private TV channels

State Chief Electoral Officer Sabyasachi Sen told newspersons that the decision was taken by the Commission as a precautionary measure to prevent electoral violence and law and order problem apparently 'resulting out of vigorous election campaigns by political parties through private TV channels'.

"This problem is anticipated to be particularly grave when private TV channels are owned by/having affiliation to political parties/leaders," Sen said quoting directives.

Drawing attention to the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, the directive said, "Section 5 of the Act prohibits transmission of advertisement not in conformity with the prescribed programme code, which has been prescribed under Rule 6(1) of the aforesaid rules of 1994."

"Rules also prohibited transmission of any programme, which is likely to encourage or incite violence or contain anything against maintenance of law and order."

The CEO said that instructions had also been issued to the concerned election officials to take stringent action against violation of the directives.

Giving its permission to Calcutta-based Rainbow Production to telecast a programme Face-to-face, the EC, however, cautioned it to be impartial and balanced, the CEO said.

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