Port Blair, March 17: The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule of General Election to Lok Sabha – 2024 and therefore Model Code of Conduct has become operational. The District Election Officer/Returning Officer is enforcing the Model Code of Conduct.

It is informed that as per section 171 B of Indian Penal Code, any person giving or accepting any gratification in cash or kind during election process, with a view to inducing any person to exercise his/her electoral right is punishable with imprisonment upto one year or with fine or with both.

Further, as per section 171C of Indian Penal Code, any person who threatens any candidate or elector, or any other person, with injury of any kind, is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both.

Flying Squads have been formed to register cases against both the giver and taker of bribe and for taking action against those who are engaged in threat and intimidation of electors.

All the citizens have been requested to refrain from any illegal activities as above and in case anybody offers any bribe or is having knowledge about the bribe or case of threat / intimidation of electors, then he / she should inform on the toll free number of the 24x7 complaint Monitoring Cell of the Returning Officer / DEO set up for receiving complaints. The citizens may download cVIGIL app to share any violation of Model Code of Conduct. The Returning Officer, A&N Islands Parliamentary Constituency will take action on such information / complaint within specified time & same will be updated on cVIGIL app.

General public have been informed that if they come across any of the following incidents can register their complaints:

-Violation of Model Code of Conduct including defacement of any public property / any property in public view.

-Distribution of cash, liquor, gifts etc. or offering / attempting to offer bribe by the candidates / political parties.

-Threatening / Intimidation of electors.

-Any other electoral malpractices.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri B.S Jaglan, IAS has requested all citizens of A&N Islands to inform the above mentioned violations through the Toll Free Number 1950 or cVIGIL App and be a responsible citizen.