Section 163 Orders Issued in Chamba Ahead of Urban Local Body Elections
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Chamba, May 14: Mukesh Repswal, District Magistrate of Chamba, has issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in view of the Urban Local Body elections scheduled for May 17, 2026.
The orders will remain applicable in Chamba Municipal Council, Dalhousie Municipal Council and Chuwari Nagar Panchayat areas and have been issued in accordance with provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994.
According to the District Magistrate, the restrictions are aimed at ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections while maintaining law and order, public peace and transparency in the electoral process.
As per the orders, all forms of election campaigning, public meetings, rallies, entertainment programmes and activities intended to influence voters will remain prohibited from 3 pm on May 15, 2026, until completion of polling on May 17.
The administration has also prohibited campaigning, canvassing and election-related activities within 100 metres of polling stations on polling day. Use of loudspeakers, megaphones and slogan shouting near polling stations has also been banned.
Only persons authorised by law will be allowed to carry weapons near polling stations during the election process. Strict action will be taken against violators as per rules.
The District Magistrate further ordered that sale, distribution and serving of liquor and other intoxicating substances at hotels, dhabas, restaurants, liquor vends and public or private places will remain completely prohibited from 3 pm on May 15 until completion of polling and declaration of results.
The administration warned that violation of the orders will invite action under the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994 and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
