Municipal Body Elections: Complete Ban on Carrying Weapons in Faridkot; Section 163 Imposed…
Faridkot, May 13 (Alexander D’Souza): In view of the upcoming Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council elections scheduled for May 26 in Punjab, the Faridkot district administration is on high alert. To ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful, fair, and secure manner, District Magistrate Mr. Rahul Chaba has taken stringent measures.
Exercising the powers vested under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, a ban has been imposed—with immediate effect—on the display and carrying of weapons within the electoral constituencies of the district.
Orders to Remain in Force in These Areas:
This prohibition will primarily be effective in those municipal bodies where voting is scheduled to take place:
Municipal Council Faridkot.
Municipal Council Kotkapura.
Municipal Council Jaito.
Ban Extends to Licensed Weapons as Well:
According to the orders issued by the administration, no individual shall be permitted to carry a *gandasa* (heavy cleaver), sword, axe, or any other type of sharp-edged or lethal weapon within the limits of the electoral constituency. It has been specifically clarified that this restriction shall apply equally to licensed weapons. These orders will remain in force until the conclusion of the electoral process.
Who Has Been Granted Exemption?
Keeping in mind security and professional requirements, the administration has exempted certain categories of individuals from this ban:
Security Forces: Army personnel and paramilitary forces deployed on duty.
Police: Uniformed police personnel.
Business Owners: Owners of petrol pumps and jewelry shops.
Security Guards: Authorized gunmen employed by banks or other government/private institutions. The Administration’s Primary Objective
“Taking this step is imperative to prevent any untoward incidents during the voting scheduled for May 26th and to maintain law and order in the public interest. We appeal to all citizens to cooperate with the administration in ensuring the smooth conduct of the democratic process”: Mr. Rahul Chaba, District Magistrate, Faridkot.
Conclusion: The District Administration has made it clear that legal action will be initiated against those who violate these orders. The police have been directed to conduct intensive checking drives in these areas.
Report: Yes News
Date: May 13, 2026
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