New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) 

The Delhi Election Commission Thursday said strict action would be taken against BSES, the power distributor in the national capital, if it is found guilty of violating the model code of conduct.

The BSES is suspected of having violated the model code of conduct which came into force Oct 5, ahead of the Dec 4 elections to the state assembly of Delhi, by circulating bills which carried a photograph of Congress Minister Haroon Yusuf laying the foundation stone of a power grid station. 

"The district election office of East Delhi has already issued a show-cause notice to BSES, demanding explanation for why action should not be taken against them," Delhi Election Commission Chief Nodal Officer Ankur Garg said.

BSES could be booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including Section 171 (h) (illegal payments in connection with an election) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), Garg explained.

Garg said BSES, in its reply, had said that the bills were circulated long before the model code of conduct came into force. 

"The election commission is scrutinising the bills carefully," Garg told IANS.