Ban on unlawful assemblies and prohibition on holding of public meeting during the period of 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for the close of the poll

Port Blair, April 15: The Election Commission of India has announced the General Elections-2024 (Phase-I) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency and Polling will be held on 19/04/2024 from 0700 hrs. to 1800 hrs. Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which connotes prohibition for conduct of public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with hour  fixed for conclusion of poll, the Election Commission of India has issued specific instructions inter-alia during the last 48 hours of end of poll by taking into consideration for ensuring creation of conducive environment for conduct of free and fair polling especially in context of Law and Order view point by banning unlawful assemblies and prohibition on holding public meetings.

To ensure level playing field for conduct of free, fair and transparent election which would require larger participation of electorate to exercise their most basic democratic right without any fear and apprehensions thus sufficient substantiated grounds are available that warrants for proceeding under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, District Magistrate, District of South Andaman in exercise of the powers vested upon under section 144 of Cr. PC has ordered ban on unlawful assemblies and prohibit on holding of public meeting during the period from 17/04/2024 (1800 Hrs. onwards) to 20/04/2024 (P-2 to P+1) under entire South Andaman District.

However, the prohibitory order does not apply in the way of citizens going on their normal business and chores and even gathering for religious functions, marriages, funerals and the gathering of people inside polling booths for voting purpose etc., as long as they do not indulge in anything illegal or foment troubles or breach of peace.

Any infringements whatsoever be of this Order shall attract legal action against the violators under the provisions provided u/s 126 (2) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 and other relevant provisions under the Statute

The present situation warrants immediate attention which involves larger public interest owing to emergent nature of case where the circumstances do not allow of the serving in due time a Notice upon the concerned, hence this Order is passed ex-parte under section 144 (2) of the Cr.PC, 1973 calling upon all the stakeholders for strict compliance.