Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Mumbai Police Enforce Rules to Maintain Order Near Polling Stations

Ahead of the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly election, Mumbai Police have announced specific guidelines for maintaining order around polling sites. As per a report by Midday, the guidelines were issued on Tuesday, November 12, to prevent disruptions, congestion, and any actions that may cause inconvenience to the public.

The directive has been authorised under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, read with sub-section (2) of Section 10 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. This order is intended to preserve peace and security around polling stations as voters gather to cast their ballots.

As per the Mid-day report, the directive says that no person who is not directly involved in the election process, such as candidates, their accredited agents, or public servants on duty, is allowed to assemble, loiter, or join any group within a 100-meter radius of polling stations from 6 am to 12 pm on polling day. 

This restricted areas are all public spaces like highways, roads, streets, lanes, and by-lanes near polling stations. This will apply to several polling locations across Mumbai constituencies, including 152 -Borivali, 153 - Dahisar, 154 - Magathane, 155 - Mulund, 156 - Vikhroli, 157 - Bhandup (W), 158 - Jogeshwari, 159 - Dindoshi, 160 - Kandivali, 161 - Charkop, 162 - Malad (W), 163 - Goregaon, 164 - Versova, 165 - Andheri (W), 166 - Andheri (E), 167 - Vileparle, 168 - Chandivali, 169 - Ghatkopar (W), 170 -Ghatkopar (E), 171 - Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, 172 - Anushakti Nagar, 173 - Chembur, 174 - Kurla, 175 -Kalina, 176 - Bandra (E), 177 - Bandra (W), 178 - Dharavi, 179 - Sion Koliwada, 180 - Wadala, 181 - Mahim, 182 - Worli, 183 - Shivdi, 184 - Byculla, 185 - Malbar Hill, 186 - Mumbadevi, and 187 - Colaba Mumbai.

In order to manage voter flow, all voters must queue outside polling stations, with separate lines for men and women. Each person will enter the station in sequence, following instructions from the presiding officer.

The order also restricts the use of certain devices and materials within the 100-meter radius around polling sites. Cell phones, wireless devices, and any form of electronic communication are banned for anyone except for Election Commission observers and authorised election or police personnel. Additionally, loudspeakers, megaphones, and campaign banners or posters are not permitted within this zone.