Srinagar, May 11, KDC: Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama announced on Saturday that restrictions imposed under Section 144 in the district are in line with specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the last 72 and 48 hours leading up to polling.
In a statement shared on X platform, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that similar orders have been issued by other districts as well.
He elaborated that the ECI guidelines necessitate particular SOPs during the last 72 hours and last 48 hours, citing Section 126 and Section 130 of the Representation of People’s Act 1951, along with SOPs edition 2 Para 4.1.1, 4.1.2, and 4.1.3, which mandate the issuance of orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that such orders have been enforced by other districts that have either conducted or are preparing for polls.
He clarified that the restrictions primarily target specific campaign-related activities during the silent period and are not general prohibitions.
According to the order, these restrictions will remain effective from 6 pm today until polling day on May 13.
Pulwama district falls within the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, scheduled for polling on May 13 in the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. (KDC)
