September 12, 2026

Section 130 – Prohibition of canvassing in or near polling stations | Representation of the People Act, 1951

130. Prohibition of canvassing in or near polling stations.

(1) No person shall, on the date or dates on which a poll is taken at any polling station, commit any of the following acts within the polling station or in any public or private place within a distance of one hundred metres of the polling station, namely:—

  • (a) canvassing for votes; or
  • (b) soliciting the vote of any elector; or
  • (c) persuading any elector not to vote for any particular candidate; or
  • (d) persuading any elector not to vote at the election; or
  • (e) exhibiting any notice or sign (other than an official notice) relating to the election.

(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees.

(3) An offence punishable under this section shall be cognizable.