Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Oct 29: As Ghatshila assembly constituency prepares for polling, the East Singhbhum district administration has declared dry days from 5 PM on November 9 to 5 PM on November 11 to maintain law and order and ensure free and fair elections.
District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi issued the directive under Section 26 of the Bihar and Jharkhand Excise Act and Section 135(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The order strictly prohibits the sale, distribution, or consumption of alcoholic beverages within the constituency during the 48-hour period preceding the close of polling.
The measure, commonly implemented during elections, aims to curb the influence of liquor on voters and prevent disturbances or illegal activities that might affect the sanctity of the electoral process.
The DC emphasized that maintaining a peaceful and transparent voting atmosphere is the top priority of the administration.
“Strict enforcement will be ensured. Any violation of the order will be treated as a serious offense,” Satyarthi said.
Those found guilty may face up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 2,000, or both. All seized intoxicants during the period will be confiscated and destroyed as per law.
To ensure compliance, the excise department, police, and block-level officers have been instructed to conduct intensive checks, patrolling, and raids in sensitive areas.
Special teams will monitor liquor outlets, hotels, and dhabas, while checkpoints have been set up on major roads to prevent transportation of alcohol into the constituency.
The administration has also appealed to political parties and candidates to abide by the Model Code of Conduct and avoid any activity that might disrupt electoral fairness.
Public co-operation has been sought to help maintain peace and ensure smooth polling.
“Citizens are requested to assist the administration by reporting any violation or illegal liquor trade during the dry period,” the DC added.
The Ghatshila constituency goes to by-polls on November 11, and the district administration has stepped up preparations with increased vigilance, security deployment, and awareness drives to promote peaceful, transparent, and alcohol-free voting.
