Administration strict before Datia by-election: Section 163 implemented in entire area, ban on rally-procession without permission

Datia. Before the Datia Assembly by-election of Madhya Pradesh, the administration has taken a big step to maintain law and order. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has implemented Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), 2023 in the entire Datia section. This order will be effective from 9 pm on July 10 till further orders.

According to the order of the administration, now no meeting, procession, rally, demonstration or any kind of public event will be allowed without prior permission. This decision has been taken to ensure peaceful atmosphere and fair voting during the by-election.

Ban on weapons and gathering of crowd also-
Under Section 163, there will be a ban on carrying lathi, sword, spear, axe, knife and other deadly weapons in public places. Apart from this, gathering of five or more people at one place has also been banned.

Administration’s eye on social media and inflammatory propaganda-
The administration has made it clear that strict action will be taken against the dissemination of material that disturbs communal harmony or affects law and order through social media, posters, banners, slogans, speeches or any other medium. Use of loudspeakers and other sound amplifying devices without permission will also be prohibited.

Strictness increased after the uproar on the highway-
The administration said in the order that during the Chakka Jam on Jhansi-Gwalior Highway on the night of July 10, there was a jam of about 15 to 20 kilometers long. During this period, incidents of vandalism and stone pelting on vehicles were also reported. This restrictive order has been imposed to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Election Commission’s instructions will be strictly followed-
The administration has said that the guidelines and model code of conduct of the Election Commission of India will be strictly followed. Besides, the provisions of Madhya Pradesh Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1994, Madhya Pradesh Noise Control Act, 1985 and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 will also remain effective.

However, this order will not apply to police, home guards, CRPF, central security forces and administrative and judicial officers while discharging their official duties.

Strict action will be taken against violators-
The administration has warned that legal action will be taken against those violating the order under Section 223 of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).

Collector Swapnil Wankhede said that conducting peaceful and fair by-elections is the top priority of the administration. Strict action will be taken against those who take law into their own hands and additional police force has been deployed for security arrangements.

After the implementation of Section 163 before the Datia Assembly by-election, political activities in the district have intensified. Now everyone’s eyes will be on how political parties and their workers carry forward their election strategy amid the strictness of the administration.