EC withdraws notice to Rahul Gandhi over TV interview

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday withdrew the show-cause notice issued to Congress President Rahul Gandhi for violating the model code of conduct (MCC) by giving an election-related interview to a TV channel a day prior to the second phase of polling in Gujarat.

The Election Commission also decided to constitute a committee to re-examine the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which will submit its report to the poll body.

"The Commission is of the considered view that due to multi-fold expansion of digital and electronic media, the extant MCC, Section 126 of the R.P Act, 1951 and other related provisions require revisiting to cater to the requirements and challenges of the present and emerging situations," an official statement from the poll body read.

The Commission will deliberate on these subjects and consult political parties, media, National Broadcasters Associations (NBA), and other stakeholders to seek suggestions for necessary modification in the provisions of the act.

The poll body also advised the Congress Party to not "make mention of any election matter pertaining to area going for poll during the prohibited period of 48 hours, henceforth."

On December 13, Gandhi was served a notice by the EC for violating Section 126 (1) (b) of R P Act by giving an interview to a local Gujarati news channel, a day prior to the second phase of Gujarat Assembly election.