The upcoming Lok Sabha polls for the constituencies of Pune, Shirur, and Maval are slated for the fourth phase of elections within the purview of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC). In an effort to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of these crucial elections, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) within the jurisdiction of the PCPC. These orders are set to remain in force until midnight on Tuesday, the 14th, as directed by the Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Police, Vinay Kumar Choubey.
Key Restrictions Enforced:
- Polling Station Protocol: On polling day, only presiding officers, government officials assigned to election duties, and those tasked with maintaining law and order pertinent to the election are permitted within the polling station and its 100-meter vicinity. The use of mobile phones, smartphones, and wireless or communication devices by others is strictly prohibited during this time.
- Prohibition on Temporary Party Offices: Temporary party offices are prohibited from being set up within 200 meters of the polling station. This restriction extends to locations such as religious or educational institutions, as well as areas encroaching upon public spaces.
- Restricted Access for Security Protections: Individuals under security protection are barred from entering within 100 meters of the polling station unless accompanied by their security personnel.
- Booth Allocation: Election booths cannot be situated within 200 meters of the polling station. Additionally, candidates are limited to possessing only one booth within a building, even if multiple polling booths are housed within the same premises.
- Campaigning Prohibition: Campaigning within 200 meters of the polling station is strictly prohibited on polling day to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Vehicles are prohibited from entering within a 200-meter radius of the polling station to prevent any disruptions or congestion near the voting site.
- Noise and Commotion Control: The use of loudspeakers, megaphones, or any activities causing commotion or disturbance is strictly prohibited within 100 meters of the polling station to uphold a peaceful environment.
- Residency Restrictions: Forty-eight hours prior to the conclusion of polling, individuals not participating in the voting process, such as political or campaign workers, are prohibited from residing within the constituency where polling is to be conducted.
- Ban on Political Propaganda: Sending bulk messages for political propaganda purposes is prohibited starting from 48 hours before the end of polling to prevent undue influence on voters.
- Weapon Prohibition: Carrying any type of weapon within 200 meters of the polling station on polling day is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety and security of voters and poll officials.
These stringent measures are essential to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process and ensure that voters can exercise their democratic right without any interference or intimidation. Authorities are committed to enforcing these prohibitory orders effectively to facilitate fair and transparent elections in Pune, Shirur, and Maval.
