Shimla, Oct 17 (IANS): Acting tough ahead of the November 9 assembly polls, the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed the state election officials to ensure that no defacement of public property by any political party takes place in the run-up to the electoral exercise.

A division bench, comprising of acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, directed the Chief Electoral Officer that writing on walls and pasting of posters would not be allowed on "public spaces" and "places open to public view".

They directed that display of any flag and sticker would not be permitted on commercial vehicles, except after obtaining requisite permission from the appropriate authority.

The court's orders came while hearing a petition which alleged that the political parties often indulge in defacing walls and installing hoardings in violation of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and environmental laws.

The matter would come up for next hearing on October 23.

A total of 49.13 lakh voters will cast their votes in Himachal Pradesh, presently ruled by the Congress, to elect a new 68-member assembly. The results will be out on December 18.