Dry day has been declared at all 51 district headquarters on the counting day, May 16, for the 29 lok Sabha constituencies in the State. Dry day has been declared on the recommendation of the Chief Electoral Officer with a view to maintaining law and order situation. A notification has also been issued in this regard.
On the counting day, sale of liquor will be prohibited under section 155-G of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Hotels, restaurants, liquor shops or any other selling point will not be allowed to sell liquor on May 16. In a letter to the Principal Secretary, Commercial Taxes, the commission has directed for strict compliance with legal provisions and prohibit sale of liquor on counting day. Violation of prohibition order will invite 6 months' imprisonment or Rs 2,000 fine or both.