Authorities in Goa have imposed strict prohibitory orders across the coastal state to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming zilla panchayat elections. The district magistrates of both North and South Goa have issued directives that will significantly impact daily life around polling and counting centres on key dates.
Closure Orders for Food and Drink Establishments
The core of the orders focuses on maintaining order near polling stations. All restaurants, bars, tea shops, paan shops, eateries, dhabas, and gaddas located within a 100-metre radius of polling stations must remain closed. This shutdown is mandated from 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Thursday, December 20, which is the official polling day for the zilla panchayat elections.
A similar set of restrictions will be enforced at the designated counting centres. These venues will see the same closure orders apply from 6:00 AM on Sunday, December 22, until the entire counting process for all 50 constituencies is formally completed.
Ban on Public Gatherings Near Polling Booths
Beyond commercial closures, the magistrates have moved to prevent any potential crowd-related issues. They have prohibited any gathering or congregation of more than five persons within a 200-metre radius of polling stations. This rule applies across all zilla panchayat constituencies in the respective districts.
However, the orders include specific exemptions. Public servants who are on official election duty are not bound by these restrictions. This exemption covers polling officials, magistrates, police personnel, and any other government staff authorised for election-related work.
Exemptions for Essential Functions and Legal Consequences
The prohibitory orders also make allowances for essential social and religious functions. Bona fide marriage processions, funeral processions, and religious processions or functions will be permitted to proceed despite the general ban on gatherings.
The authorities have warned that failure to comply with these directives will result in legal action. Penal action will be initiated under Section 223 of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), along with other relevant legal provisions currently in force. The state machinery is geared up to enforce these rules strictly to guarantee a free and fair electoral process.
The final phase of the election, the counting of votes for all 50 zilla panchayat constituencies, is scheduled to be completed on December 22. These comprehensive measures underscore the administration's commitment to ensuring that the local body elections are conducted without any untoward incidents.
