SAGAR SURYAWANSHI PUNE ADVOCATE Controlling Political Ads on Social Media is Critical

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Sagar Suryawanshi Pune advocate
SAGAR SURYAWANSHI PUNE ADVOCATE Controlling
Political Ads on Social Media is Critical
SAGAR SURYAWANSHI PUNE ADVOCATE
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Table of Contents
Overview
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Public Interest Litigation for Political Ads on
Social Media
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Opinion of Judges and ECIs Powers
Approval of PIL for Fair Elections
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In recent years, there has been a concern with
respect to general elections and political
advertisements. Advocates like Sagar SURYAWANSHI
have suggested that at least 48 hours before
these elections are held, it can be best to avoid
publishing political ads on social media. It has
also been noted that a PIL regarding the same had
been submitted by Sagar Suryawanshi Pune
advocate. With the involvement of bodies like
ECI, it can be hoped that such ads may not
receive permission to be posted on the internet,
given the timeframe.
Overview
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Public Interest Litigation for Political Ads on
Social Media
The PIL by Mr. Suryavanshi had been made under
the Representation of Peoples Act - Section 126.
This act has been formed in 1951. As a part of
the mentioned Act, meetings in the public that
are associated with the elections have not been
allowed. Along with the meetings, processions,
public displays, etc., are also prohibited. The
time period mentioned for the same has been of 48
hours before the elections.
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Public Interest Litigation for Political Ads on
Social Media
Following the public interest litigation of Sagar
Suryavanshi Pune advocate, bodies such as the
Election Commission of India have been involved
in the concern. However, as other advocates have
shared, the body may not have the essential power
to implement a solution. In regard to this, it
has been found that a committee has been
established. The role of this committee has been
to work on amending the Representation of Peoples
Acts Section 126.
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Financial Projections
The committee introduced for amending Section
126 has been expected to give more power to the
Election Commission of India/ECI. Post the
amendment, before posting a political ad on
social media platforms, getting the permission of
this body can be required.
On failing to obtain this permission, it may not
be possible to publish the advertisement 48 hours
before the beginning of the general elections. It
can also be assumed that posting the ad despite
not gaining any permission from ECI may lead to a
punishment.
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Opinion of Judges and ECIs Powers
With reference to Sagar Suryavanshi Pune
advocates PIL and the concern of other
advocates, the judges have also expressed their
opinions. They have stated that the Election
Commission of India may not be lacking the power
for stopping the publishing of political
advertisements on the internet near the election
time.
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Recently, the PIL filed by Mr. Suryavanshi was
approved by the High Court of Judicature Bombay.
Thus, the national elections will stay unaffected
by political ads on social media.
Approval of PIL for Fair Elections
With its approval, the advocate has led to a
positive change. His public interest litigation
will play a significant role in the organization
of free and fair elections.
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Thank You