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Traveling to India during Lok Sabha Elections? Here's what to do
The EC mandates that CISF or police authorities at airports must immediately report to the Income Tax Department any individual carrying cash exceeding approximately US$12,048
Representative image / PIB
Law enforcement agencies across India are on high alert as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) remains in effect since the announcement of Lok Sabha elections on March 16. The Election Commission's (EC) stringent regulations concerning the movement of cash, liquor, jewellery, and other potential influencers of voters have gained prominence following a recent incident involving the Tamil Nadu police.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Tamil Nadu police were depicted seizing Rs 69,400 (US$900) from tourists. While the money was eventually returned to the couple, the incident has highlighted the EC's strict protocols for handling cash and other valuables during elections.
Before each election, the EC issues detailed directives to various enforcement agencies, including the police, Railways, airports, and the Income Tax department, to closely monitor the circulation of cash, liquor, jewellery, drugs, and gifts - anything capable of swaying electoral outcomes.
The EC deploys expenditure observers for every district, along with static surveillance teams (SST) and flying squads. These flying squads, headed by a Senior Executive Magistrate and comprising senior police officers, videographers, and armed personnel, are equipped with dedicated vehicles, mobile phones, video cameras, and necessary documentation for seizing cash or goods.
Surveillance teams establish checkpoints on roads, recording the entire inspection process, and regularly changing their locations to maintain unpredictability. While checkpoints are operational from the announcement of polls, heightened enforcement is observed in the final 72 hours leading up to polling day.
Citizens are advised not to carry cash of Rs. 50,000 (US$600) or more with them. If carrying cash, they must ensure they have all necessary documents. Failure to produce required documents may result in the cash being seized.
The EC's measures aim to monitor campaign expenditures by candidates, capped at approximately US$1.06 million (larger states) and US$902,400 (smaller states) per constituency. However, these regulations also impact citizens.
For instance, the EC mandates that CISF or police authorities at airports must immediately report to the Income Tax Department any individual carrying cash exceeding approximately US$12,000 or more than 2.2 lbs in bullion. The Income Tax Department then conducts necessary verifications and takes appropriate measures if satisfactory explanations are not provided, including seizing the cash or bullion until verification is completed to ensure it is not linked to any political entity.
"After seizure, the seized amount shall be deposited as directed by the Court, and a copy of seizure of cash, in excess of approximately US$12,048, shall be forwarded to the Income Tax authority engaged for the purpose," the EC stipulates.
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