MARGAO
South Goa district Magistrate, Ruchika Katyal, IAS has extended the ban on road shows, padyatras, cycle/bike/vehicle rally, besides process in the district till January 31.
In an order issued under section Section 144 of the CrPC, the district Magistrate has said no physical rally of Political parties or candidates (including probable) or any other group related to election shall be allowed till 31 January, 2022.
Similarly, public gatherings in case of indoor halls/auditoriums/mandaps etc shall be restricted to a maximum of 50 persons or 50 per cent of the seating capacity whichever is less.
Political parties, candidates, their party workers have been directed to ensure the compliance of Covid appropriate behaviour & guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections.
The order stated that no campaigning is allowed between 8 pm and 8 am. Door to door campaigning shall be allowed for a maximum of 10 (ten) persons including candidates (excluding security personnel).
All remaining restrictions as contained in the Revised Board Guidelines for Conduct of Election 2022 issued on 8th January and 15th January, 2022 shall continue. If the candidate or political party violates any of the above guidelines, no further permission shall be given to the concerned candidate party for rallies, meetings, etc, the order warned.
The Returning Officers/Assistant Returning Officers, Flying Squads, Sector Magistrates/Officers, Police or any other authorised officers/officials shall act immediately in case any violation comes to their notice or reported to them and initiate necessary action against the violators by filing FIR under appropriate sections before the respective Police Station.
This order shall come into force with immediate effect, failure to comply with this order shall be liable for Penal action under Section 188 of IPC and other provisions of laws in force.
