panaji: In a bid to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Zilla Panchayat election, the District Magistrate, South Goa, has issued orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, directing all restaurants, bars, tea shops, paan shops, and eateries within 200 meters of polling stations to remain closed on December 20, 2025, between 6 am and 9 pm.
The order also prohibits gatherings of more than 5 persons within the restricted area, with exemptions granted to public servants on duty, bonafide marriage or funeral processions, and authorized officers on election duty.
The move is aimed at preventing any untoward incidents, including bribery, undue influence, or impersonation, and ensuring a smooth voting process. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on December 22, 2025, and the restrictions will remain in force till the process is completed.
The order is seen as a proactive measure to maintain law and order and ensure that the electoral process is not disrupted in any way.
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