Chennai: Following the announcement of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Model Code of Conduct came into force across the entire state starting March 15 and will remain in effect until May 6. With the Assembly elections scheduled for April 23 and results on May 4, the general public must exercise caution over the next 50 days regarding the transport of cash, gold, and silver items due to intensified vehicle checks by Flying Squads.
Why are inspections being conducted?
To prevent political parties from distributing cash to voters during the election period, to curb the circulation of unaccounted cash, and to stop the distribution of gifts to voters, the Election Commission is conducting intensive inspections through its Flying Squads. Vehicle checks have been intensified across many parts of the state, directly impacting a wide range of people including those going to purchase jewellery for weddings, those paying advances for wedding halls, those making down payments for property, and those transporting funds for business purposes.
How much cash can be carried?
Members of the public are permitted to carry a maximum of ₹50,000 in cash on their person. For any cash exceeding this limit, one must produce appropriate supporting documents. Failure to do so will result in the Flying Squads seizing the money. If you are carrying cash exceeding ₹50,000, you must present the relevant documents. If you can produce the necessary documentation for amounts up to ₹10 lakhs, the officials will release the funds. However, if the cash being transported exceeds ₹10 lakhs, the matter will be referred to the Income Tax Department. The seized cash will be released to the owner only after the Income Tax officials have conducted an inquiry.
What documents are accepted by the election commission?
The Election Commission advises the public to avoid carrying cash as much as possible until May 6. However, if carrying cash becomes absolutely unavoidable, individuals must ensure they have the appropriate supporting documents in hand. If the cash was withdrawn from a bank branch, your bank account statement can be presented as proof. If the withdrawal was made via an ATM, the corresponding ATM receipt or the transaction alert received on your mobile phone can be shown as evidence.
Those carrying cash for wedding-related expenses may present the wedding invitation card as a supporting document. Similarly, merchants and business owners may submit their GST certificates and sales invoices as documentation for their business transactions, according to the Election Commission.
Currently, purchasing even a single sovereign of gold may require individuals to carry up to ₹1.50 lakhs in cash. However, the Election Commission has stipulated that carrying cash exceeding ₹50,000 is prohibited. This poses a significant challenge, particularly for those purchasing wedding jewellery. A pertinent question arises regarding what specific documentation individuals can produce to substantiate the source of cash that has been saved up at home over time.
Regulations regarding gold and silver
When transporting valuables such as gold jewellery or silver articles, one must carry the original purchase receipt. If you are purchasing gold or silver items—whether for a wedding or as traditional ceremonial gifts—ensure you retain the corresponding purchase receipts. Should you be intercepted by the Election Commission’s Flying Squads during a routine check, presenting these receipts will facilitate your clearance.
Additional accepted documents
To avoid unnecessary hassles and delays during the election period, it is advisable to opt for online banking transactions whenever possible. Additionally, individuals carrying cash may present identity documents such as their Aadhaar card or PAN card to establish their credibility and identity. If the cash is being carried to cover medical treatment expenses, relevant hospital records or medical documents may be submitted as proof. If you are carrying cash to pay an advance for the purchase of property or a house, you may submit the relevant sale agreements or contractual deeds as supporting documentation.
The details contained in the documents you carry must precisely match the amount of cash in your possession. If the accompanying documents are deemed unsatisfactory, the seized funds will be deposited in the District Treasury. The money will be released to you only after you have conclusively established that it is not intended for electoral malpractices. The Election Commission has also constituted grievance redressal committees at the district level; members of the public may submit their documents to these committees to reclaim their seized funds.
Election Commission clarification
In an interview, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik stated that if members of the public present the requisite documents, officials will immediately release the seized cash and valuables. She further explained that officials have been strictly instructed to refrain from causing any harassment or inconvenience to the public.