On the directives of Election Commission of India, office of the Chief Electoral Officer has directed the State Government to prohibit sale of liquor on the days of polling and counting of votes for Vidhan Sabha elections. Informing the Government about the commission’s directives, it has been said that polling will be held on November 25 and counting of votes on December 8.
The Government has been urged to declare dry day prohibiting sale of liquor 48 hours before end of polling i.e. from 5 pm on November 23 to 5 pm on November 25.
Directives have been given to declare dry day also on December 8 when votes for Vidhan Sabha elections will be counted.The commission has directed for strict compliance of legal provisions under Representation of People Act 1951 to prohibit sale and distribution of liquor on polling day.
During 48 hours before end of polling in any constituency, sale and distribution of spirit-based liquor, intoxicant or any substance of the same nature will be prohibited in hotels, restaurants, schools, shops and any other public and private place.
Violator of the prohibition will be liable for 6 months’ imprisonment or `20,000 fine or both.
Apart from prohibition of sale and distribution of liquor under Representation of People Act 1951, a notification will also be issued to declare dry day for the period of 48 hours before end of polling.
This system will also be followed in by-elections. Counting day will also be declared dry day under provisions of concerning laws. During the above mentioned period, shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other selling/service points etc. will be prohibited from sale/service of liquor.
Clubs, star hotels, restaurants and the hotels having licence to serve different kinds of liquor will also not be permitted to sell and serve liquor during this period. Directives have been given to curtail storage of liquor during the period in question.
Directives have been given to take strict action on storage of liquor on unlicensed premises under Excise Act.All district collectors have been asked to enforce commission’s directives effectively to ensure free and fare elections. Enforcement agencies have also been directed to ensure effective legal and proper measures for this.