Individuals cannot give advts against party, candidates: EC

A person not associated with a political party or not contesting elections is barred from giving advertisements on TV and radio against any party as it would indirectly benefit its political rivals.
The Election Commission today cited its 2004 order saying that advertisements by a person other than a political party or candidate are not specifically prohibited.
"However, the order does say that such persons cannot give advertisements for benefit of any political party.
"This implies that ads against a party or candidate cannot be allowed, as that would benefit a party or a candidate," the poll panel said.
It was responding to a clarification sought by Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi on the issue.

The EC orders on political advertisements are a result of a Supreme Court order on the subject issued in 2004.
In a separate clarification issued to Prasar Bharti, the Commission said telecast of political advertisement on Doordarshan is prohibited 48 hours ending with hour fixed for end of polls only in areas going for election.
In other areas, political advertisement can be telecast.