RULES FOR POLITICAL PARTIES TO USE STATE-FUNDED MEDIA

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Context: Some politicians criticised Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for editing their speeches, which they asserted was a violation of the rules set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the use of state-controlled media by recognized parties during elections.

Details

Since the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, recognized political parties have been allowed to use state-owned television and radio during election periods. The ECI determines the allocation of broadcast time:

• National Parties: Collectively receive a minimum of 10 hours on Doordarshan’s national channel and 15 hours on its regional channels. Similarly, they receive 10 hours on the national hook-up of AIR and 15 hours on regional AIR stations.
• State Parties: Collectively receive a minimum of 30 hours on the appropriate regional Doordarshan channel and AIR station.

For the 2024 elections, the ECI allocated time to each of the six national parties and 59 state parties. Out of the 10 hours for national parties, 4.5 hours were divided equally (45 minutes each) on Doordarshan and AIR. The remaining 5.5 hours were allocated based on the vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Guidelines on Speech Content

Political parties and their speakers must submit speech transcripts for approval three to four days before recording. The ECI's guidelines prohibit:

• Criticism of other countries
• Attacks on religions or communities
• Obscene or defamatory content
• Incitement of violence
• Contempt of court
• Aspersions against the integrity of the President and judiciary
• Content affecting the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation
• Personal criticisms by name

Speeches violating these guidelines are subject to censorship by Doordarshan and AIR.

Conclusion

• The use of state-funded media by political parties during elections is governed by strict ECI guidelines to ensure fairness and avoid misuse. However, these regulations can lead to dissatisfaction among political leaders, particularly when edits to their speeches are mandated. The balance between maintaining decorum and allowing freedom of speech remains a contentious issue in the electoral process.

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The influence of money in politics can lead to a situation where parties prioritise the interests of wealthy donors over the needs of the general public. How can campaign finance reform be structured to ensure a level playing field for candidates and parties, while still upholding freedom of speech and political association?