Budgam, Nov 9 (JKNS): District administration Budgam on Sunday announced that restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been enforced in the district ahead of the November 11 by-poll for the 27-Budgam Assembly seat.
As per the order issued by District Magistrate Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat (IAS), as per news agency JKNS, the restrictions coincide with the legally mandated 48-hour silence period before voting, barring all political activity from Saturday evening until the close of the window on November 11.
The directive clearly states that no rallies, public gatherings, processions, musical programmes, or any form of campaigning will be permitted during this period, in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The DM emphasised that these curbs are necessary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public order as per MCC guidelines.
The order further notes that Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 will also be in effect, disallowing unlawful assemblies, while the use of loudspeakers after the end of the campaign period has been strictly prohibited.
However, personnel deployed for election duties — including polling staff, magistrates, police forces, and authorised government officials — will remain exempted from the restrictions.
The District Magistrate has cautioned that any breach of the order will face stringent legal action. (KNC)
