Telangana Gram Panchayat polls: Assembling of three or more persons in public places banned till December 18

Ahead of the third phase of Telangana Gram Panchayat elections, the State Election Commission banned the assembly of three or more persons in public places in poll-bound districts till 10 am on December 18 to maintain law and order.

Hyderabad: The State Election Commission (SEC) has issued orders prohibiting the assembling of three or more persons in public places in poll-bound districts without lawful authority till 10 am on December 18. This is in view of the third phase of Gram Panchayat elections on Wednesday.

To maintain public order, peace and tranquillity, the SEC issued a set of directions to Collectors and the Police Department in districts where the elections are being held.

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Accordingly, a ban has been imposed on the carrying of arms, including licensed weapons, except those exempted by the competent authority. Processions, rallies, public meetings or demonstrations have also been prohibited till the completion of polling and counting of votes.

Restrictions have been placed on the use of loudspeakers and public address systems, except with written permission. The directions also include prevention of activities that are likely to disturb public peace, communal harmony or law and order during polling and counting of votes.