Election Poster & Pamphlet Printing Rules in India
Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act 1951 requires every election pamphlet, poster, banner or handbill to carry the names and addresses of both the printer and the publisher on its face. The printer must also obtain a signed declaration from the publisher and send it, with a copy of the printed material, to the District Magistrate within three days of printing.
What has to appear on the material itself
The printed piece must carry, legibly on its face, the name and address of the printer and the name and address of the publisher. Not a logo, not initials, the actual name and address. This applies to posters, pamphlets, handbills, banners and hoardings used for election purposes. We print this line on every election job as standard and we do not remove it on request, because it is not ours to waive.
The declaration the publisher signs
Before we print, the publisher signs a declaration of identity, attested by two persons known to them. We keep the original. Without that declaration we cannot legally accept the job, and that is not negotiable regardless of how urgent the meeting is.
What the printer files, and when
Within three days of the material being printed, the printer must send a copy of the declaration together with a copy of the printed document to the District Magistrate, or, where the state has notified otherwise, to the Chief Electoral Officer. We handle this filing and give you the acknowledgement for your records.
Model Code of Conduct considerations
Once the Model Code of Conduct is in force, election expenditure on printed material must be accounted for by the candidate. We issue a proper GST invoice with itemised quantities and rates for exactly this reason. Ask for it at the time of the order rather than after the result.
Penalties
Contravention of Section 127A is punishable with imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2,000, or both, for the printer as well as the publisher. This is why a printer who agrees to leave the imprint line off is doing you no favours.
A practical note
The single most common problem we see is candidates coming in the night before a meeting wanting 500 posters immediately, with no declaration signed. We can print quickly, but the declaration has to be signed first, and the person named as publisher has to be present to sign it. Plan for that half hour.
Frequently asked questions
Does the printer's name have to be on election posters in India?
Yes. Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act 1951 requires the name and address of both the printer and the publisher to appear on the face of every election pamphlet, poster, banner or handbill.
What happens if the imprint line is missing?
Both the printer and the publisher can face up to six months imprisonment, a fine up to ₹2,000, or both. The material can also be seized.
Do I need to sign anything before election printing?
Yes. The publisher signs a declaration of identity attested by two persons known to them. The printer keeps the original and files a copy with the District Magistrate within three days of printing.
Does this apply to flex banners too?
Yes. Any printed election material, posters, pamphlets, handbills, flex banners and hoardings, carries the same imprint requirement.
Need this printed?
We handle the declaration, the filing and the imprint line ourselves. Bring the matter to the shop or send it on WhatsApp.