Jubilee Hills bypoll: Political ads require MCMC approval, says GHMC chief Karnan

Hyderabad: District Election Officer and GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan emphasised that all political campaign advertisements related to the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election must obtain prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before publication or broadcast.

In conjunction with the Jubilee Hills Assembly Constituency by-election, Karnan formally inaugurated the MCMC and Media Centre at the CPRO Section, GHMC Head Office on Tuesday.

As per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, the MCMC will monitor advertisements, paid news and election-related content in various media platforms during the election period.

Speaking on the occasion, he stated that advertisements in electronic media, local cable networks, social media, e-papers, radio, and other online and all electronic platforms must receive prior clearance from the MCMC once the election schedule is announced.

Permission must for print ads too

He further added that for print media, obtaining MCMC approval is mandatory for all advertisements to be released on the day before polling and on polling day. Political parties, contesting candidates and their agents must submit applications to the MCMC for clearance before releasing any campaign advertisements, he said.

The commissioner also directed that all printed campaign materials—such as handbills and pamphlets—must carry the name and address of the publisher and printer and strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Highlighting the role of the Media Centre, RV Karnan instructed PRO to ensure that timely updates and election-related information are regularly shared with media representatives to facilitate transparent election coverage.