With campaigning for the Municipal Council elections ending in Ropar district, public places across towns and villages have turned into virtual advertising zones for political parties and candidates. Roundabouts, roadside railings, electricity poles, trees, walls and public buildings are covered with banners, flags, posters and flex boards put up by candidates contesting the civic polls.
From Ropar city to Nangal, Anandpur Sahib and nearby municipal areas, political publicity material can be seen hanging from almost every available public structure. Large party flags tied to electric poles flutter over busy roads, while posters of candidates have been pasted on walls, traffic signboards and even government property in blatant violation of norms relating to defacement of public property.
Residents have expressed concern that the unchecked display of campaign material has not only spoiled the appearance of towns but is also creating inconvenience for commuters and posing safety hazards. In several areas, banners tied across roads are obstructing visibility for motorists, while posters pasted on traffic signs and electric poles are drawing criticism from citizens.
What has surprised many residents is the apparent inaction of authorities responsible for enforcing the law. Officials of municipal councils, local administration and enforcement agencies have largely remained silent spectators despite clear violations taking place openly during the election campaign.
Legal experts say the practice violates provisions of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1997. The Act prohibits defacement of public and private property through posters, banners, wall writings, hoardings and advertisements without prior permission. Violations under the law are cognisable offences and can invite imprisonment up to six months, a fine up to Rs 1,000, or both. The law also empowers authorities to remove illegal material from public places.
Former president of the Ropar Bar Association, Paramjit Singh Pamma, criticised the authorities for failing to act against violators. “Political parties and candidates cannot be allowed to misuse public property during elections merely for publicity. There are clear legal provisions prohibiting defacement of public places but unfortunately the rules are ignored whenever elections are held,” he said.
Pamma said selective enforcement of laws sent a wrong message to the public. “If an ordinary citizen pastes a poster or puts up an unauthorised banner, authorities immediately issue challans. But when political parties indulge in large-scale violations, officials conveniently look the other way,” he added.
Social activists and residents have also demanded that district authorities launch a special drive to remove illegal publicity material after the elections. They said the administration should identify authorised spaces for election publicity instead of allowing indiscriminate use of public infrastructure.
Deputy commissioner Ropar, Aditya Dachalwal, when contacted, said action would be taken against candidates and people who were defacing public properties. “I shall direct the officials concerned take action in the matter,” he said.
The Election Commission has repeatedly issued instructions to political parties and candidates regarding prevention of defacement of public property during election campaigns. District administrations are expected to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct and anti-defacement laws during elections.
