Sagar Suryawanshi Pune advocate - Controlling Political Ads on Social Media is Critical

1. Sagar Suryawanshi Pune advocate SAGAR SURYAWANSHI PUNE ADVOCATE Controlling Political Ads on Social Media is Critical SAGAR SURYAWANSHI PUNE ADVOCATE

2. Table of Contents 01 Overview 02 Public Interest Litigation for Political Ads on Social Media 03 Opinion of Judges and ECI’s Powers Approval of PIL for Fair Elections 04

3. Overview 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. 03

4. 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. 04

5. 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 Act’s Section 126. 05

6. Financial Projections On failing to obtain this permission, it may not be The committee introduced for amending Section 126 has been expected to give more power possible to publish the advertisement 48 hours to the Election Commission of India/ECI. Post the amendment, before posting a political ad before the beginning of the general elections. It on social media platforms, getting the permission of this body can be required. can also be assumed that posting the ad despite not gaining any permission from ECI may lead to a punishment. 06

7. The judges have also said that for concerns such as Mr. Suryavanshi’s public interest litigation, authorities can be put in Opinion of Judges and ECI’s Powers place. It can be speculated that the amendments may also be done for the empowerment of ECI. However, to initiate the same, time can be required. With reference to Sagar Suryavanshi Pune advocate’s 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. 07

8. Recently, the PIL filed by Thus, the national Mr. Suryavanshi was Approval of PIL for Fair Elections elections will stay approved by the High unaffected by political Court of Judicature ads on social media. Bombay. 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 08 elections.

9. Thank You