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Compliance GuideDigital campaigns fall under the same election law as any other campaign. This guide explains the main rules in plain language, so candidates and campaign teams in Punjab know what to plan for.
Election rules and Election Commission instructions change from election to election. This page is general information, not legal advice. Please check the latest instructions for your specific election at eci.gov.in or with your Returning Officer.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. The State Election Commission, Punjab conducts municipal and panchayat elections. Both issue instructions that campaigns must follow. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) applies from the announcement of the election schedule until the results are declared.
The ECI requires political advertisements on electronic media to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the district or state level. Platforms such as Google and Meta also require political advertisers to verify their identity and may ask for pre-certificates for election ads in India. Check the current requirement for your election and allow time for approval.
Printed pamphlets, posters and handbills must carry the printer’s and publisher’s name and address (Section 127A, Representation of the People Act, 1951). Paid digital ads should clearly show who paid for them, as platform policies require.
Campaign expenses, including digital advertising, content production, agency fees and paid promotion, form part of the candidate’s election expenditure and must be recorded within the prescribed limit. Keep invoices, creatives and reports for every item.
Election propaganda is barred in the 48 hours before polling closes (Section 126). Opinion poll results cannot be displayed in this period, and exit polls are banned during the period fixed under Section 126A. Plan content so it is paused or removed before the window starts.
Section 123 lists corrupt practices, including bribery, undue influence, appeals on grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language, promoting enmity between classes, and false statements about a candidate’s personal character or conduct. Fake, morphed or misleading media can also lead to action under other laws.
The ECI has asked parties and candidates to avoid misleading deepfakes and to label AI-generated or synthetic content. Check the latest advisory before each election.
Paid news is treated as an election malpractice and is monitored by the MCMC. Paid content must be identified as advertising, and its cost may be added to a candidate’s election expenses.
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Organic posts on a candidate’s own pages are not the same as paid advertisements, but they remain subject to the Model Code of Conduct. Paid political ads usually need verification and, where required, pre-certification. Always check the instructions for your election.
For Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, your District Election Officer or Returning Officer and the ECI. For municipal and panchayat elections, the State Election Commission, Punjab.
No. It is general information. For specific questions, consult a qualified election lawyer or the relevant election authority.
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