The Aman Sandesh Times
Chandigarh : Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal said that polling parties will depart for polling stations on October 4 for the 2024 Assembly general elections in the state.
He informed that strict action will be taken against the anti-social elements and political parties if they will try to create disturbance during the election duty using their influence.
Agarwal said that individuals who disrupt the polling process or disobey the orders of the presiding officer within the polling station may be taken out of the polling station by police personnel on duty. If such individuals re-enter the polling station without the presiding officer’s permission, they may be arrested. Under Section 132 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, these individuals could face up to three months of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Provision for a 2-year imprisonment for bringing weapons to polling booths.
He further said that bringing weapons to a polling station is a serious offense. Only the Returning Officer, Presiding Officer, police officers, or designated personnel are permitted to carry weapons inside polling stations.
Anyone else caught with a weapon may face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or both, under Section 134B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Agarwal further said that if the presiding officer suspects someone of removing or tampering with ballot papers or electronic voting machines (EVMs), they have the authority to arrest that person or direct police to do so.
Under Section 135 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, offenders can face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Provision of punishment up to 2 years for fraudulently destroying the official symbol on the ballot paper or EVM.
It was informed that under Section 136 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, anyone who fraudulently defaces or destroys a ballot paper, EVM, or any official symbol may face penalties.
If committed by an officer or clerk on election duty, the punishment can be up to two years of imprisonment or a fine, or both. For others, the punishment may be up to six months of imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Agarwal stressed that causing injury to a public servant in an effort to prevent them from performing their duties can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment upto 10 years and a fine.
