PANAJI
The eateries and other food joints, located close to the polling stations, will remain shut from 6 am to 7 pm on the polling day on May 7 with a ban on large gatherings as well as the use of loudspeakers also imposed by the district administration in North and South Goa starting May 5.
North Goa District Magistrate, in separate orders, has imposed Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure; from 6 pm on May 5 till 6 pm on May 8 in all assembly constituencies with the assembly of five or more persons (including contesting candidates and workers) will be banned. Holding of any procession or rally under the garb of the house to house visits or corner meetings are also barred, to ensure law and order is maintained. Similar orders were issued by South Goa District Magistrate.
The DM further ordered that all private vehicles undergo checking in a dignified manner to avoid their misuse for distribution of money, gifts or liquor or for causing any nuisance or any harassment to private persons. The order also bans use of loudspeakers between 6 pm on May 5 to 6 pm on May 7.
“This order shall not apply to officers on Election Duty authorized by the Election Commission or the State Government, including polling officials, Magistrates, police officials and Government staff. Further, it does not restrict door-to-door campaigning in the form of house-to-house visits,” it said.
“The above restrictions shall not apply to public servants on duty, to bonafide marriage or funeral processions, religious functions, any special occasion or any occasion which in the opinion of the DM/Additional Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate, is genuine and for which prior permission in writing has been obtained from the DM/Additional Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate concerned,” the order adds.
In a separate order, the DM has issued a prohibitory order wherein all restaurants, bars, eateries, tea shops, pan shops and other food joints, gaddas etc within 100 mtrs and 200 mtrs of the polling stations, in urban and rural areas respectively, will remain closed from 6 am to 7 pm on the day of poll. Failure to comply with this order shall be liable for penal action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other relevant provisions of laws in force.
