Sec 144 CrPC promulgated in poll-bound areas of Lakhimpur

The Assam State Election Commission has issued notification for conducting the election of the 80 municipal boars of the State and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect in the election-bound areas across the State since February 10.

According to the notification, the polling of the Municipal Board Election, 2022 will be held on March 6 according to the announcement made by the State Election Commission. The last date for filing nominations has been fixed on February 15 and scrutiny of the applications will be conducted on February 17. On the other hand, the last date for withdrawal of the candidature is February 20 while the counting will be held on March 9.

In view of the election concerned and MCC in vague, Sumit Sattawan, the District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, has promulgated 144 CrPC in the election-bound areas of the district under North Lakhimpur, Narayanpur and Bihpuria municipal boards by issuing an order vide No. LMJ. 3/2019/109 dated February 10 in order to prevent the likelihood of vitiated role played by criminal outfits, exercise of muscle power, political violence during the electioneering period. The order will be in effect until the electioneering is over.

The same order has prohibited the keeping and possession of firearms by any individuals in the poll-bound areas and the firearms holders falling under those areas are directed to deposit their firearms, weapons to their respective police stations within seven days and to obtain proper receipt from the police authority, failing to which they will be liable to be prosecuted under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).