GUWAHATI: Ahead of the vote counting for five Legislative Assembly Constituencies in Assam’s Kamrup (Metro) district, the administration has imposed strict restrictions around the designated counting venue in Guwahati.
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According to an order issued by District Magistrate Swapneel Paul on Saturday, May 2, the use of firecrackers, fireworks, victory processions and sloganeering has been prohibited within a 200-metre radius of the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, where counting of votes will take place on May 4.
The administration said the restrictions were imposed to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the counting process and to avoid any disturbance that could affect counting personnel, security forces, candidates and their agents present at the venue.
Officials noted that celebratory gatherings and loud sloganeering near the counting centre could create public nuisance, disrupt law and order, and interfere with the free and fair counting process.
The prohibitory order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The restrictions will remain in force throughout the counting day — from 12 am to 11:59 pm on May 4 — or until the completion of counting and formal declaration of results, whichever is later.
The district administration has warned that any violation of the order will invite legal action under Section 223 of the BNSS and other relevant provisions of the law.
