ECI announces 48-hour dry day in poll-bound states

The Election Commission has ordered a 48-hour dry day in poll-bound areas of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to ensure free and fair voting. Liquor sale and distribution will also be banned on counting day, May 4

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has directed a 48-hour ‘Dry Day’ in poll-bound areas of West Bengal and across Tamil Nadu, in a bid to ensure free and fair voting, an official statement said on Monday.

Invoking provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission directed that “no spirituous, fermented, or intoxicating liquor shall be sold, served, or distributed at any hotel, restaurant, tavern, shop, or public or private place within a polling area during the 48 hours ending with the scheduled close of polling”.

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The restriction, issued under Section 135C of the Act, will apply to all establishments holding licenses for possession or sale of liquor, including clubs, star hotels, and restaurants.

“These entities will not be permitted to serve liquor during the notified period,” the poll body statement said.

“In view of the statutory provision, ‘Dry Day’ shall be declared and notified under the relevant State/Union Territory laws as is appropriate during 48 hours, ending with the hours fixed for conclusion of poll with respect to polling day for an election in that polling area where General Election to the Legislative Assembly is being held. This will include the date of re-poll, if any,” the statement said.

Authorities have also been directed to strictly enforce limits on the storage of liquor in unlicensed premises.

The ‘Dry Day’ provision will be applicable for each phase of polling, including any re-poll, and will also extend to the day of counting of votes — May 4 — when similar restrictions will be enforced across states and Union Territories where polling took place.

The Commission on March 15 announced the Assembly election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bypolls in six states.

Polling in Tamil Nadu and Phase I of West Bengal is slated for April 23, while Phase II polling in West Bengal will be held on April 29. Counting of votes for all states and UTs will take place on May 4.

The directive is part of the ECI’s broader effort to curb undue influence on voters and maintain electoral integrity during the polling process.