Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 6: The state government has published the amendments brought to Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act 1993 in the state gazette. The ammendments, which came into force from February 25 this year, that is, after the conclusion of the zilla and taluk panchayat elections in the state, are sure to give sleepless night to those who cannot do without liquor.

In the past, people dreamed of getting hearty swigs of their favourite brand of liquor during elections, thanks to the largesse of candidates out to woo them. However, as per the new rules, people living within the limits of the respective panchayats cannot consume liquor during the period election code of conduct remains in force there. All liquor shops and liquor manufacturing units will have to keep their premises locked during the entire period, and after sealing the units, keys need to be handed over to the district administration.

In case there is stock of liquor with someone during this period, the concerned will be kept in the custody of the administration till the election concludes. Those creating public nuisance after liquor consumption or giving rise to din in public places will also be in custody, and this will be treated as a non-bailable offence.

A person who consumes liquor in one village, and is found moving about in a village where election code of conduct is in force in an inebriated condition, faces the risk of being taken into custody. The new rule provides an opportunity for every political party to keep an eye on the movements of their opponents and complain to authorities wherever any violation is found.

Unlike in the past when liquor ban used to be in force on the days of polling and on the day of counting of votes, as per the new rules, the ban will be in force during the entire 23-day period during which code of conduct is enforced. At present, the new rules are applicable for all zilla, taluk, and gram panchayat elections. In the coming days, they are expected to be applicable even for general elections.

Now, election to vacant seats in gram panchayats has been announced, and the ammended law is being enforced for the first time for this election. The officials however find it hard to bring this into practice because of the fact that code of conduct is applicable within the panchayat limits where elections are held and not in neighbouring villages where it is not applicable. So, liquor shops located at the village borders have a chance to do roaring business, it is felt.