District Collector Suhas Divase Issues Order Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections to Ensure Compliance with Model Code of Conduct
Pune News : In preparation for the Lok Sabha elections, the District Collector’s Office in Pune has taken proactive measures by issuing orders to enforce restrictions on alcohol sales on specific dates. These directives, applicable to the Baramati, Maval, Pune, and Shirur constituencies, aim to maintain law and order during the electoral process.
The State Excise Department, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerates, and District Police Superintendent’s offices have been duly notified about these restrictions. According to the order issued by District Collector Suhas Divase, alcohol sales will be prohibited on May 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, and 13th, as well as on June 4th – the days earmarked for polling and vote counting.
To ensure adherence to the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha general elections, the polling and vote counting days have been designated as dry days. The order has been issued under Section 135(C) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, empowering the authorities to enforce these restrictions effectively.
Alcohol sales will be prohibited 48 hours before the scheduled conclusion of each polling day to prevent any disturbances during the voting process. The order also specifies the closure timings and days for alcohol sales prohibition in each constituency to streamline implementation.
During the polling phases, all domestic and foreign liquor manufacturing units within the constituencies will be permitted to operate, except on the designated dry days. Any violation of these orders will be met with strict action under relevant laws, including the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The closure timings and designated dry days are outlined as follows for each Lok Sabha constituency:
Baramati Constituency Lok Sabha Constituency:
- Closure Day: May 5, 2024, from 6 p.m. onwards
- Full-day Closure: May 6, 2024 (the day before polling concludes)
- Polling Day: May 7, 2024, until 6 p.m.
- Day After Polling Day: June 4, 2024 (full day) – Vote-counting day
Pune-Maval-Shirur Lok Sabha Constituency:
- Closure Day: May 11, 2024, from 6 p.m. onwards
- Full-day Closure: May 12, 2024 (the day before polling concludes)
- Polling Day: May 13, 2024, until 6 p.m.
- Day After Polling Day: June 4, 2024 (full day) – Vote-counting day
