For the first time, the Election Commission (EC) has directed all district Collectors in Tamil Nadu to promulgate orders under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code banning campaign by political parties and any assembly of more than five persons from 6 pm on Tuesday.
Addressing media persons here, Chief Electoral Officer, Praveen Kumar said, “The campaigning stops at 6pm today. We have asked all district collectors and Commissioners of Police to proclaim Section 144 throughout the State, prohibiting campaign by political parties. This is the first time such a measure is being implemented in the State.
The prohibition will be in place until 6am of polling day.”
He said the door-to-door campaign is permissible under law but, more than five persons in a group should not move around. Any campaign through electronic media, meeting, and rallies will not be allowed. Politicians who are outsiders in any constituency should leave the place, the order said.