Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, Apr 25: Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao announced on Tuesday, April 25, that a radius of 200 meters surrounding all polling booths in state assembly elections will be deemed a prohibited area under section 144 from 6 pm on May 8 until polling completion on May 10.

Section 144 will prohibit gatherings of more than five people, processions, meetings, and programs. However, visits to houses are allowed 48 hours before the election. Carrying weapons such as knives, guns, lathis, and any instruments that can cause bodily harm are strictly prohibited. Election campaigns within a 100-meter radius of the booth, Xerox shops, book stalls, and cyber cafes are not allowed. Carrying explosives or storing them is banned. Carrying stones and tools that can be used as weapons is also banned. Slogans, singing, playing musical instruments, and displaying signs or imitation acts are also prohibited. Carrying mobile phones, cordless phones, or other electronic instruments within a radius of 100 meters is also prohibited.

A list of residents at marriage halls, community halls, and guest houses will be examined, and non-voters will be removed from the constituency. Violations will result in legal action under IPC section 188. The press release clarified that these orders do not apply to election staff, officers and police personnel, or voters who go to the polling booths to cast their votes.