EC sends notice to makers of 'PM Narendra Modi' over election code violation

After feeling that Omung Kumar's upcoming 'PM Narendra Modi' violates the model code of conduct, the Election Commission on Tuesday served a notice to the biopic's makers and is awaiting a reply.

The concerned parties have been given time till March 30 and any political advertisements circulated on social or electronic media related to the film have to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee, said Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh.

"If any pre-certified political or surrogate advertisement is circulated, it is a violation of model code of conduct. Whosoever has done it is given an opportunity to explain their stand," the official said.

East Delhi Returning officer K Mahesh, who had on March 20 issued suo motu notices to the production house, also suggested that guidelines for political films released during elections could be formed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Singh replied by saying- "We are looking into it. We will send the recommendations to the poll body."

Senior Congress party leaders including Abhishek Manu Singhvi, RPN Singh, Randeep Singh Surjewala and Kapil Sibal had approached the Election Commission on Monday demanding the poll panel to postpone the release of the film 'PM Narendra Modi' - stating that the launch of the film, scheduled for April 5, was politically-motivated and the film itself, wasn't an “artistic venture.”

"The purpose of this film is only political -- to get some extra mileage in the elections. We believe, it is not just a corrupt practice, but the very launch of the film is motivated," Kapil Sibal said.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also attacked the film which sees Vivek Oberoi portraying PM Modi, calling it "worse than the earlier 'accident' of a movie", a concealed dig on the recently released biopic, 'The Accidental Prime Minister.' Here's what he said-

The film also stars Boman Irani, Manoj Joshi, Zarina Wahab and Prashant Narayanan.

(With PTI inputs)