Candidates for the Dharapuram (SC) Assembly Constituency byelection – 2026 were on Wednesday instructed to secure mandatory approval of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), functioning out of the District Public Relations in the Tiruppur Collectorate, before publishing or broadcasting political advertisements through electronic and social media platforms.
District Election Officer and Collector Manish Narnaware said approval of MCMC was necessary for election-related advertisements issued by political parties and candidates through television channels, local cable TV networks, FM radio stations, social media platforms, websites, cinema theatres, digital display screens in public places, for sending bulk SMS and undertaking voice call campaigns.
While recognised political parties must submit their applications at least three days before the proposed date of publication or telecast, independent candidates and other organisations have to apply at least seven days in advance.
As for print media, prior certification is not necessary for political advertisements on ordinary days, but for such advertisements on the polling day and the preceding day, prior approval have to be obtained from the MCMC at least 48 hours in advance.
Applicants should submit filled-in application form; copy of the advertisement material (two copies in CD/pen drive for audio/video advertisements, or specimen copy for print advertisements); script/text of the advertisement; estimated expenditure for the advertisement; an undertaking stating that the advertisement does not contain objectionable material, and copyright clearance certificate.
Published – September 23, 2026 08:05 pm IST
