Two Opposition leaders were asked to make certain changes to their speeches as per allocation of time on state media on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR).
Allocation of Time on State Media to Political Parties:
- The scheme to provide free airtime for political parties during elections was solidified by the 2003 amendment to the Representation of People Act, 1951.
- In Broadcasting vs Cricket Association of Bengal and ANR (1995), the Supreme Court declared that airwaves are public property, emphasizing that their use must serve the greater public good, especially during elections.
Allocation Mechanism:
- Eligibility: Only ‘National Parties’ and ‘Recognized State Parties’ in the concerned state are eligible.
- Allocation Process: National parties receive broadcast time on Doordarshan’s national and regional channels and on All India Radio (AIR).
- State parties receive time on the relevant regional Doordarshan channel and AIR station.
- Specific Case: In the Karnataka election, the facility was extended to six recognized national parties and one recognized state party, with a base time of 45 minutes.
- Additional slots were granted based on past electoral performance, totaling 630 minutes of free airtime.
Time Voucher System:
- Voucher Allocation: Parties are provided printed Time Vouchers in 5-minute denominations, with one voucher of 1 to 4 minutes equal to the total time allotted for broadcast.
- Distribution Method: Time vouchers are distributed via a lottery system by the Election Commission in a transparent process.
Ref: Source
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