Tanveer Hussain
Budgam: As the campaigning period for the bye-election to the 27-Budgam Assembly Constituency concluded on Sunday evening, the District Magistrate Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat (IAS), imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
According to the order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate (Deputy Commissioner/District Election Officer), restrictions will remain in force across the entire district from 6:00 pm on November 9, 2025, till 6:00 pm on November 11, 2025 — the day of polling. The decision marks the beginning of the mandatory “silence period” during which all campaigning activities must cease.
The order states that no person shall convene, hold, attend, join, or address any public meeting or rally related to the elections during this period. Furthermore, a ban has been imposed on unlawful assemblies as per Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), prohibiting any procession or gathering that could disrupt public peace or interfere with the voting process.
Officials said the prohibitory measures aim to uphold democratic principles, maintain public order, and create a conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise freely and fairly.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate has also declared November 9 to November 11 as “dry days” across Budgam district under Section 47 of the J&K Excise Act and Section 135-C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, banning the sale and consumption of liquor till the conclusion of polling, as well as on the counting day scheduled for November 14, 2025. [KNT]
