BNSS 163, Other Prohibitions Imposed In Cachar Ahead Of Assembly Elections

Ahead of the Assam Legislative Assembly elections scheduled on April 9, 2026, the District Administration of Cachar has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to maintain public peace and ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

The order was issued on March 16 by Cachar District Magistrate Ayush Garg, IAS, stating that anti-social elements may attempt to disturb public peace and endanger life and property during the election period.

Under the order, assembly of five or more persons in public places without permission has been prohibited. Carrying weapons such as lathis, daggers, sticks, spears or swords in public places has also been banned.

The order further prohibits public rallies, meetings, processions, demonstrations, strikes, hunger strikes, dharnas, and slogan shouting without prior permission if they obstruct roads, highways or normal movement of traffic. Use of loudspeakers or microphones without permission has also been restricted, and loudspeakers cannot be used between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Authorities have also banned inflammatory speeches, communal or anti-state slogans, defacement of religious places or government buildings, and transmission of objectionable messages through SMS or social media that may affect the election process.

However, the order will not apply to gatherings in markets, shopping areas, cinema halls, educational institutions for academic purposes, bus stations, sporting activities, marriage ceremonies, or religious celebrations. It will also not apply to police, army personnel, magistrates on duty, government officials engaged in official work, and door-to-door campaigning by candidates.

The prohibitory order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until the declaration of the election results. Any violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.