Election Commission has issued directives regarding ban on sale of liquor before polling for the three-phase lok Sabha elections in the State on April 10, 17 and 24.
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has written to Commercial Taxes Department to issue a notification in this regard. According to the commission, sale of country-made liquor, Indian Made Foreign liquor (IMFl) or any spirited intoxicant at hotels, restaurants, shops or any other place will be banned for 48 hours before polling. According tAo the commission, violation of these rules may entail upto six months’ imprisonment and fine upto `2,000. The State Government has been asked to declare dry day during the period of 48 hours. The commission has clarified that on the counting day of May 16, the State should also be declared as dry day.
The commission has directed that sale of liquor should also be banned in the areas around the constituency where election is to be held.
The commission has said that dry day will be declared under Madhya Pradesh Excise Act from evening of April 8, 2014, till completion of voting on April 10 for the first phase; from evening of April 15, 2014 till completion of voting on polling day April 17 for the second phase; and from evening of April 22, 2014 till completion of voting on polling day April 24 for the third phase. Directives have also been given to maintain special vigil at inter-State borders during dry day.