As the January 15 polling day approaches, the local administration and police have stepped up measures to ensure a peaceful and fair voting process. A key part of these preparations is the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) through legal notifications issued under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Recent directives focus on regulating areas close to polling stations. Private residences, shops, offices and hotels located within a 100-metre radius of a polling booth will face specific restrictions on voting day.
Under these rules, such premises cannot be used for political activities. Property owners are barred from allowing political party workers or candidates to gather or operate from their premises. Political campaigning, canvassing or propaganda from these locations is prohibited, as are meetings that could influence voters or disrupt the fairness of the polling process.
Authorities have stressed that maintaining law and order is a shared responsibility. Property owners have been formally warned to ensure that no untoward incidents take place in their vicinity. Any violation of the restrictions will make the property owner personally liable.
Police have made it clear that legal action will be taken against those who defy the orders, as per existing laws. These notices, typically served by senior police officials in their respective jurisdictions, are meant to ensure cooperation with election authorities, regardless of political affiliation.
Such proactive steps are aimed at protecting the sanctity of the ballot and ensuring that voters can exercise their rights freely, without pressure or disturbance on polling day.
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