Action against misinformation, zero tolerance for hate speeches: Know everything CEC warned about
New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar announced today the commencement of the world's largest democratic exercise with the declaration of the 2024 general election schedule for 543 Lok Sabha seats. The election will be conducted in seven phases, starting from April 19, with the results set to be announced on June 4.
In addition to the Lok Sabha polls, simultaneous elections will be held for assemblies in four states: Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Notably absent from the list is Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under President's Rule since 2018.
Alongside the general elections, by-elections will be conducted for 26 assembly seats across multiple states, including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
Addressing concerns about misinformation on social media platforms, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar issued a stern warning, urging political parties to ensure responsible behavior on social media by verifying information before amplifying it. He emphasized that fake news would be dealt with severely under existing laws, citing Section 79(3)(B) of the IT Act, which empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content.
Furthermore, Kumar emphasized the need for a campaign based on issues, stressing a zero-tolerance policy for hate speeches and speeches based on caste or religious lines. He also cautioned against personal attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum during the electoral process.
In an effort to curb the spread of misinformation, the commission has enlisted 2,100 advisors to monitor these issues closely, with strict action promised against any violations.
Additionally, voters above the age of 85 years and persons with disabilities, with at least 40 percent disability, will have the option to vote from home. Kumar revealed that approximately 82 lakh voters fall into this category.
The announcement of the election schedule follows the recent resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, leaving the three-member Commission with only the Chief Election Commissioner. Subsequently, a committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed two retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, as Election Commissioners. They were sworn in the next day, completing the Commission's roster.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Man arrested with Rs 2.54-crore heroin in Mumbai
Mumbai (PTI): Police have arrested a man and seized over 500 grams of heroin worth Rs 2.54 crore in the illicit market from him in Mumbai, officials said on Friday.
The police's Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) made the drug seizure in Santacruz in the western suburbs. The operation was conducted by the Kandivali unit of the ANC on Thursday as part of a special crackdown against drug trafficking in the area, they said.
Acting on specific inputs, an ANC team conducted a raid in Santacruz (East) and intercepted a man. During a search, the team recovered 508 grams of high-grade heroin from his possession, an official said.
The seized contraband, a highly addictive, opioid drug derived from morphine, is estimated to be worth Rs 2.54 crore in the international market, he informed.
Following the seizure, a case was registered against the man under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and he was formally placed under arrest in the early hours of Friday.
The police are currently investigating the source of the drug and trying to identify the intended recipients of the consignment, he said.
