Ri Bhoi District and Sohra Civil Sub-Division Magistrates issue orders under section 163 BNSS

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 29, 2025

In view of the upcoming General Election to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) 2025, the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced immediately and will remain in effect until the election process is completed.

To ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election within Ri Bhoi District, the District Magistrate of Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This order prohibits the carrying of cash exceeding Rs. 50,000 or gold/silver without valid supporting documents. Additionally, wall writings, pasting of posters/papers, and erecting or displaying cut-outs, hoardings, and banners on public property, including government and semi-government buildings, are prohibited without prior permission from the appropriate authorities. Any violation of the Model Code of Conduct by political parties, contesting candidates, and election agents is also prohibited.

Furthermore, the order bans the carrying of any type of arms and explosives within the entire Ri Bhoi District until the election process is concluded. This restriction does not apply to law enforcement authorities, including police personnel, Home Guards, Forest Personnel, BSF, and CMPF personnel. All arms license holders are required to deposit their weapons along with a Xerox copy of their licenses at the nearest police station within 14 days from the promulgation of this order.

This order has been issued in view of the declaration of the General Election to the KHADC, 2025. Any person found in violation of the above provisions will be subject to prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as well as other applicable laws governing such actions. The order will remain in force with immediate effect until the conclusion of the election period.

In a similar order, Mark A. Challam, Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sohra Civil Sub-Division, East Khasi Hills District, has also enforced the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming KHADC General Election, 2025. The order prohibits carrying cash above Rs. 50,000 or gold/silver without valid documents, wall writings, pasting of posters/papers, and erecting or displaying cut-outs, hoardings, and banners on public property without prior permission. Violations of the Model Code of Conduct by political parties, contesting candidates, and election agents are also prohibited.

This order is issued to the public in general and political parties in particular. Violators will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and other specific Acts governing the aforementioned. The order will remain in force until the election period is over unless modified or rescinded.