Assam: Dry day declared in poll-bound Majuli

Ahead of the upcoming Majuli by-elections, the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam has declared March 7 as a dry day in the 99-Majuli (ST) Assembly Constituency.

The chief electoral officer said that the order will come into force from 5pm on March 5 and will continue till 5 pm on March 7.

The order issued by the chief electoral officer read, ''As per the Act, no spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquors or substances of like nature shall be sold, given or distributed at a hotel, eating house, tavern, shop or any other place, public or private, under the jurisdiction of the poll bound Constituency during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll.”

The ban on liquor will also include the dates of re-poll, if any, it added.

Also Read: Manipur: ECI announces Re-poll in 12 polling stations

The order also said that during the hours fixed, the selling/serving of liquor is strictly prohibited in liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishment on poll day and counting day.

''Additionally, even if different categories of licenses for possession and supply of liquor is issued to non-proprietary clubs, star hotels etc, no one is to be permitted to serve liquor on these days,'' the order further read.

Moreover, any violation of the order shall be dealt with under relevant provision of Assam Exercise Act and Rules and under the Provision of Section 135 (C) of Election Rules.

Counting of votes for the Majuli by polls will be held on March 10.

Also Read: Centre discusses evacuation efforts to rescue Indians stranded in Ukraine