Dibrugarh: The Dibrugarh district administration has issued strict guidelines regulating the printing and publication of election pamphlets, posters and other campaign materials ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly Election 2026.
In an official notification issued by the Office of the District Commissioner under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Cell, all printing presses in the district have been directed to strictly comply with Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which governs the printing of election-related publicity materials.
According to the directive, no individual or organisation will be permitted to print or publish any election pamphlet or poster unless the document clearly carries the names and addresses of both the printer and the publisher.
The order further states that printing presses must obtain a signed declaration from the publisher before printing any such material. The declaration must be attested by two witnesses known to the publisher and submitted to the printer in duplicate.
After printing, one copy of the declaration along with a copy of the printed material must be forwarded to the appropriate authority within a reasonable period. If the material is printed in the state capital, it must be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer, while in other districts it must be sent to the District Magistrate of the district where the printing takes place.
The administration clarified that the term “election pamphlet or poster” includes any printed document, handbill, placard or publicity material intended to promote or prejudice the election prospects of a candidate or a group of candidates.
Officials warned that violations of these provisions could attract legal action, including imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 2,000, or both.
The notification, issued by the Additional District Commissioner of Dibrugarh who is also in charge of the MCC Cell, has been circulated to the Election Officer, the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO), all recognised national and state political parties in the district and other concerned officials for strict compliance.
The directive has been marked “Election Urgent,” underlining the administration’s focus on ensuring transparency and adherence to election laws during the poll process.