PANAJI
As preparations for the Lok Sabha elections are underway, the State government has appointed the Director General of Police and all other police officers as ‘Designated Officers’ to ensure law and order is maintained, and the smooth conduct of the polls.
A notification issued by the Home Department states the order will remain in force till the completion of the election process.
“In exercise of powers conferred by Section 28 A of the Representation of People Act, 1951, the Government of Goa designates DGP and all Police Officers functioning in the North Goa and South Goa Parliamentary Constituencies, including the officers and personnel of Central Police Forces deployed for Election in the State, as ‘Designated Officers’ till the completion of the election process. All such officers shall be subject to the control, superintendence and discipline of the Election Commission of India, New Delhi,” reads the notification.
Meanwhile, with the enforcement of the Code of Conduct, the North Goa District Magistrate has imposed a complete ban on the carrying of all types of arms, firearms and lethal weapons within the jurisdiction to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process.
The order also aims at preventing any sort of obstructions, annoyance, or injury to any person lawfully employed or for conduct of election to prevent any danger to human life or safety or disturbance of public tranquillity or riot of any affray during the electioneering period.
The order is in force till the election process, while it exempts public servants, police, defence personnel and security personnel on duty/sports person who are members of the National Rifle Association of India, responsible persons of banks and its retainers, or who has been specially exempted by a specific order by the competent authority.
Violation of the order is punishable under Section 188 of IPC.
