Bulk SMS banned as election silence begins

The Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana has issued orders regarding the prohibition on transmission of illegal bulk Short Messaging Services (SMS) 48 hours before the polls. The stipulation will end with the hours fixed for the conclusion of polling on December 7.

This implies that in the period between 6 pm on December 5 and 6 pm on December 7, all bulk SMS’ of a political nature should be suspended, Director General of Police M. Mahender Reddy said.

The official added that the model code of conduct issued by the Election Commission prohibits all forms of political campaigning during the period

“In pursuance of the instructions of the Election Commission of India, in order to prevent commission of electoral offences, which may in turn lead to breakdown of public order and interfere with the process of free and fair conduct of elections,” Mr Mahender Reddy said.

“It is hereby directed that transmission of all the bulk SMS’, use of mobile and PRI lines and IVRS numbers for election campaign or of political nature be stopped for the aforesaid period throughout the state of Telangana by issuing necessary orders,” he said

“This prohibition would also cover transmissions initiated from other states or licensing service areas (telecom circles) and terminating in Telangana state,” the DGP said.