According to sources the Election Commission of India had announced that the Karnataka Assembly elections will be held on May 12 and that the counting of votes will be held on May 15. Meanwhile the prohibition statement has been released considering the possibility of anti-social elements attempting to take advantage of the situation after consumption of liquor, to indulge in acts of violence and hence disrupt free, fair, peaceful and smooth conduct of the polling process in the city.
Accordingly the order states that the sale, consumption of liquor, wine, arrack or any other intoxicants are likely to lead to violence and come in the way of smooth functioning of the election procedure. Moreover it may further create law and order problems as well in the city.
Media reports the order, which was released on
April 30 by the Commissioner of Police under the sub-section (1) and (3) of
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibits sale, consumption,
procurement and storage of liquor, wine, arrack or any other intoxicant in any
wholesale and retail outlets. Furthermore all liquor shops, wine shops, bars,
hotels, restaurants, taverns, shops or any other places, whether public or
private within Bengaluru city, should remain closed from 5.00
p.m. on May 10 to 12.00 midnight of May
12 and from 6.00 a.m. on May 15 to 12.00
midnight of May 15.
