Elections Should Be Conducted Effectively as per Law, Telangana DGP Instructs Police Officers

Hyderabad: Director-General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy on Tuesday directed police officials to ensure that the February 11 municipal elections were conducted effectively as per the law. He was speaking at a video conference featuring police commissioners, district superintendents of police and station house officers. The DGP made it clear that steps should be taken to avoid any kind of complaints or untoward incidents.

Hyderabad police legal adviser I. Ramulu explained the laws related to the conduct of elections. He said those who influence voters, force them to vote for one person will be severely punished. Those who threaten social or financial ostracism on the victims should be dealt with strictly according to the law.

Distribution of alcohol or acting contrary to the provisions of the Excise Act could result in imprisonment for six months to two years, he said.

According to the Arms Act, there are provisions to deposit the licensed weapons in the police stations as per the rules, otherwise, rigorous imprisonment of one year to three years is to be imposed, DGP said.

He said that under the Public Places Disfigurement Act, 1997, those pasting posters or advertisements on walls without permission would face criminal cases.

It would be a legal offence to use loudspeakers in public places without the permission of police officers. The use of campaign vehicles was restricted i under the Motor Vehicles Act. Permission from the returning officer was mandatory for vehicles used for election campaign.

The DGP said using religious institutions and houses of worship for political purposes and for party campaigns would violate the Prevention of Misuse of Religious Institutions Act. Those who make hate speeches and acts to create discord between castes were liable to be jailed for up to five years.

Apart from these, according to the Telangana Municipalities Act-2019, if they obstruct the election duties or commit illegalities like rigging, they are liable to be punished.