The ECI has also directed the respective MCMCs to keep a strict vigil on suspected cases of paid news in the media

Bihar News, ECI Orders Every Party to Apply to MCMCs Before Any Ad. Publication; Eyes on Paid News: The Election Commission of India (ECI), as the Bihar election approaches, has issued orders requiring every registered National and State Political Party, as well as every contesting candidate, to apply to the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for pre-certification of all political advertisements on electronic media, including social media, before publication.

MCMCs have been constituted at the District and State levels for the pre-certification of political advertisements, as per the prescribed guidelines, the ECI said in a press note.

As per the order, no political advertisements can be released on any internet-based media/websites, including social media platforms, by political parties or candidates without pre-certification from the respective MCMC.

The ECI has also directed the respective MCMCs to keep a strict vigil on suspected cases of paid news in the media and take appropriate action.

Additionally, the ECI has instructed candidates to share details of their authentic social media accounts at the time of filing nominations, citing the increasing influence of social media in the electoral landscape.

Candidates are also required to submit a report of all money spent on online campaigning (including social media) to the Election Commission within 75 days of the election, as per Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the case of Kanwar Lal Gupta, the ECI said.

This report must include all types of online expenses — such as advertisements, content creation, and managing social media accounts.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had announced the schedule for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar and the bye-elections to 8 Assembly Constituencies in 6 States and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on October 6, 2025.

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