The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the implementation of ‘dry days’ across poll-bound regions as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections during the ongoing General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections in 2026.
Photo: IANS
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the implementation of ‘dry days’ across poll-bound regions as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections during the ongoing General Elections to Legislative Assemblies and bye-elections in 2026.
Citing provisions under Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission, in a press note, said that the sale, distribution, or serving of liquor will be strictly prohibited during the 48-hour period leading up to the close of polling in each constituency.
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“No spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquor or other substances of like nature shall be sold, given or distributed… within a polling area during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll,” the Commission said.
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In line with this provision, authorities have been instructed to declare and notify ‘dry days’ under relevant state and Union Territory laws for the specified period, including any re-poll if required. Additionally, the Commission has mandated that May 4, the day of vote counting, will also be observed as a ‘dry day’ in all poll-going regions.
The order prohibits liquor sales and service at all establishments, including shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars, during the notified period. “No liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishments… shall be permitted to sell or serve liquor to anyone whatsoever on the aforesaid days,” the statement said.
The restrictions will also apply to non-proprietary clubs, star hotels and establishments operating under various excise licences. The Commission further directed strict enforcement of rules related to storage of liquor, with authorities instructed to curb stocking by individuals and take action against violations in unlicensed premises.
The enforcement of dry days is a routine but crucial election-time measure aimed at maintaining law and order and preventing inducement of voters, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The poll schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, was announced on March 15. Polling in Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal is scheduled for April 23, while the second phase in West Bengal will be held on April 29. The counting of votes for all states and Union Territories will take place on May 4.
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