Goa Gazette, No. 1617-41, 13 January 2017

Panaji, ¹³th January, ²⁰¹⁷ (Pausa ²³, ¹⁹³⁸) SERIES III No. 41

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

EXTRAORDINARY

GOVERNMENT OF GOA

Department of Home

Home—General Division

Office of the District Magistrate and District Election Officer ___

And whereas, in view of the prevailing Law & Order situation in the District and in furtherance of the guidelines of the Election Commission of India to prevent undue influence of voters through distribution of liquor and also to preserve peace and tranquillity, it is felt appropriate that the timing of closure of all the Liquor Shops/Bars, Pubs needs to be curtailed;

Order

No. 37/77/ELECTION-2017/MAG/173

Whereas, the General Election to the Goa Legislative Assembly 2017 is scheduled to be held on 04-02-2017 and the Election Model Code of Conduct has come in force from 04-01-2017. The Election Commission of India, New Delhi has issued directions to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections;

And whereas, "Liquor" and food items are commodities usually used to lure voters by the candidates and political parties during elections. The District Magistrate and District Election Officer, has issued directions to the Flying Squads, Officials of the Excise Department, Sector Magistrates, Police or any other Authorised Officers/Officials to keep strict vigil and track of the movements of large consignments of IMFL, Beer, etc. in South Goa District to avoid distribution of Liquor by Contesting Candidate to lure voters;

And whereas, Section 29 (A) and other provisions of Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 and Rules, empowers the District Magistrate to order the closure of Liquor Shops/Bars and Restaurants at such times and for such period as he may think necessary for preservation of public peace and tranquillity;

And whereas, I am satisfied that the circum- stances do not permit the serving of the notice individually in time;

Now therefore, in view of ensuing General Election to the Goa Legislative Assembly 2017 and to ensure free, fair, peaceful and orderly conduct of the entire election process, I, Swapnil M. Naik, IAS, District Magistrate and District Election Officer, in exercise of the powers vested in me under provisions of Section 144 of Cr. P. C. read with Section 29 A of the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964, do hereby order that all the Liquor Shops/Bars & Restaurants, Pubs, Food Joints, Shacks, etc. in South Goa District be closed everyday by 11.00 p.m. from 06-01-2017 to 02-02-2017. However, this order does not apply to those establishments, provision stores etc. which are required by law to be closed before 11.00 p.m.

Commissioner and the Returning Officers concerned.

Given under my hand and seal of this office, this beyond the aforesaid timings, during the said period, it shall lead to cancellation of their licenses and the owner shall also be liable for penal action under Section 188 of IPC.

the 6th day of January, 2017.

The Flying Squads/Excise Officials/Police shall act immediately in case of any violation and should report such cases to the Excise

Margao.— The District Magistrate & District Election Officer, South Goa District, Swapnil M. Naik, IAS.