Restrictions on the printing of pamplets, posters, etc.

38. Restrictions on the printing of pamphlets, posters, etc. - (1) No person shall print or publish, or cause to be printed or published any election pamphlet or poster which does not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer and the publisher thereof. (2) No person shall print or cause to be printed any election pamphlet or poster, - (a) unless a declaration as to the identity of the publisher thereof, signed by him and attested by two persons to whom he is personally known is d elivered by him to the printer in duplicate; and (b) unless within a reasonable time after the printing of the documents, one copy of the declaration is sent by the printer, together with one copy of the document to the District Magistrate. (3) For the purposes of this section, - (a) any process for multiplying copies of a document other than copying it by hand, shall be deemed to be printing and the expression ‘printer’ shall be construed accordingly; and (b) election pamphlets or posters means any p rinted pamphlet, hand bill or other document distributed for the purpose of promoting or prejudicing the election of a candidate or group of candidates or any placard or poster having reference to an election but does not include any hand bill, placard or poster merely announcing the date, time, place and other particulars of an election meeting or routine instructions to election agents or workers. (4) Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of sub -section (1) or sub -section (2) shall, on convict ion, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.