Dhar collector warns of action over unauthorised poll publicity on properties in Sardarpur by-election

Collector and District Election Officer Rajeev Ranjan Meena has issued directions for the election to be held in constituency No. 1 (Dasai) of Janpad Panchayat Sardarpur, under the three-tier Panchayat by-election 2026. According to the directions, the Madhya Pradesh Property Defacement Prevention Act, 1994 will be strictly enforced during the election. No form of election campaigning will be allowed on public or private property without permission.

Under the Act, it is prohibited to deface property by writing slogans, pasting posters, painting election symbols or putting up flags on government buildings, their walls, milestones, and telephone and electricity poles. Campaign material also cannot be put up on private buildings, huts, compounds and walls without the owner's permission. Putting up banners by tying them across both sides of a road may also be punishable under the Act.

Collector Meena has expected political parties, their workers and candidates to campaign in keeping with the provisions of the Act. Action will be taken under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code against anyone found violating it.

To ensure effective enforcement of the Act during the election and to act promptly in cases of violation, teams have been formed at the district and Janpad Panchayat levels. These teams will take appropriate action and immediately report every case to the district control room in Dhar on phone number 07292-222765. The control room at the office of the concerned returning officer will also be informed.

Under the order, the district-level team includes the Additional Collector (Revenue), the Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Panchayat, the Additional Superintendent of Police, the Executive Engineer of Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited and the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department.

The Janpad Panchayat-level team comprises the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) Sardarpur, the Tehsildar of Sardarpur, the Chief Executive Officer of Janpad Panchayat Sardarpur, the Sardarpur police station in-charge and the Revenue Inspector of Sardarpur.

Collector Meena has directed that the Act be enforced and necessary action taken during the election process, so that the election can be completed peacefully, fairly and without any obstruction.