In light of the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India, the District Magistrate of Sonitpur, Shri Deba Kumar Mishra, has promulgated a prohibitory order to ensure peaceful conduct during the General election to Lok Sabha, 2024. The following restrictions apply throughout Sonitpur district:
- Assembly of five or more persons in any public places is prohibited.
- Unlawful assemblies and holding public meetings are not allowed during the 48 hours ending with the closure of the poll (from 05:00 PM on 17/04/2024).
- Presence of political functionaries, party workers, procession functionaries, and campaign personnel from outside the constituency is restricted.
- Inflammatory, communal, racist, or caste/class-inclined speeches/slogans, as well as the display of such messages through banners, posters, or wall writing, are prohibited.
- Canvassing for votes or exhibiting election-related materials, including party symbols, slogans, etc., within the polling station premises on the day of the poll is not allowed.
- Private vehicles within a 200-meter radius of polling stations (used by owners or their families) are restricted from entering during voting hours.
- Within 100 meters of polling stations on poll day, the following acts are prohibited:
a) Canvassing for votes
b) Displaying campaign-related posters or banners
c) Persuading electors not to vote for a particular candidate
d) Persuading electors not to vote at all
e) Using loudspeakers or amplifying devices
f) Disorderly behavior
g) Using loudspeakers during the 48-hour period before poll closing time
Note: House-to-house visits for door-to-door campaigning are allowed during the 48-hour period.
This order is passed ex-parte under Section 144 Cr.P.C and will be in effect from 17:00 Hrs on 17/04/2024 to midnight on 20/04/2024. Violation of this order is punishable under Section 188 IPC.
