Gathering of 5 or more persons banned near counting centres

District Magistrate, Tarn Taran, Rahul — exercising powers vested in him under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023 — has issued orders prohibiting the gathering and activities of five or more persons within a 100-metre radius of the vote-counting centres for the elections to the municipal council, Patti, and the nagar panchayat, Bhikhiwind.

The restrictions will remain in force around Sri Guru Gobind Singh Government High School (Boys), Kairon, and Government Polytechnic College (PTU Building), Bhikhiwind, from May 26 till May 29, or until the completion of vote counting.

The orders state that any person found violating the restrictions will face action under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023.

According to the notification issued by the State Election Commission, Punjab, the elections to the municipal council, Patti, and nagar panchayat, Bhikhiwind, are scheduled to be held on May 26, while the results will be declared on May 29.

The administration stated that the restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order and ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the elections in the public interest.

Officials said it was necessary to enforce prohibitory orders within 100 metres of the counting centres at Sri Guru Gobind Singh Government High School (Boys), Kairon, and Government Polytechnic College (PTU Building), Bhikhiwind, to prevent any untoward incident during the election process.

The orders will remain effective from May 26 to May 29 until the completion of counting proceedings.