Goa Gazette, No. 2122-45, 09 February 2022

Panaji, 9th February, 2022 (Magha 20, 1943) SERIES III No. 45 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

EXTRAORDINARY

No. 2

GOVERNMENT OF GOA

Department of Home

Home—General Division

Office of the District Magistrate, North Goa Magisterial Branch

–––

And whereas, the Election Commission of India vide Press Note No. ECI/PN/17/2022 dated 06-02-2022 has taken review of COVID situation and have issued certain revised guidelines and restrictions;

Order

No. 40/16/2022-MAG-ELN/L&O/Rally/319 And whereas, in my considered opinion, there is sufficient ground for proceeding under sub- section (1) of Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 imposing certain additional restriction on public gatherings, physical rallies, road shows etc. to prevent further spread of disease;

Under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal

Procedure, 1973

Whereas the Election Commission of India has announced the General Election to the Goa State Legislative Assembly 2022 in North Goa District scheduled to be held on 14-02-2022 and the Election Model Code of Conduct has already come into force with effect from 08-01-2022.

And whereas, the number of COVID-19 cases being reported in Goa are increasing and the situation might further aggravate if public gatherings and active interactions is permitted unrestricted;

And whereas I am satisfied that the circumstances do not permit the serving in due time, of the notices individually upon the persons against whom this order is directed and therefore, under the powers vested in me under sub-section (2) of Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, I hereby pass the order ex-parte.

Now therefore, I, Ajit Roy, IAS District Magistrate North Goa District in exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, do hereby direct that the following activities/events shall be restricted till further orders as below:

1) No roadshow, Pad-yatra, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies and procession shall be allowed until further orders.

ground capacity as per requirement of the social distancing norms and whichever is less.

3) Door-to-door campaigning shall be allowed for a maximum of 20 (twenty) including candidates (excluding security personnel).

4) Between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., no rallies and public meetings shall be allowed on any campaign day.

5) Open ground rallies can be held only in the grounds specifically designated by this office through e-Suvidha portal subject to compliance of all the conditions of SDMA.

6) Political parties and contesting candidates shall ensure the compliance of COVID appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with the election.

The organizers shall ensure that:-

• There should be multiple entry and exit points so that there is no crowding as people are coming and leaving the venue. All entrances must have adequate and hygiene and thermal screening provisions. Adequate number of hand sanitizers should be kept at entrance as well as within the rally area. Sitting arrangements must ensure adequate physical distancing and use of mask at all times is mandatory.

• Adequate man power should be deployed/ /arranged by the organizers to ensure observance to physical distancing norms, mask wearing and other preventive measures at all times.

• In designated open ground meetings, people should be accommodated in adequate clusters and such clusters should be separated by separation arrangements. The organizers will ensure this arrangements and Nodal Officers will ensure compliance.

• The organizers and concerned political parties shall abide by all the above instructions and SDMA related guidelines and ensure COVID appropriate behaviour by persons participating in meetings- rallies. Organizers will be responsible for any breach of the COVID related protocols and guidelines.

While granting the permission the concerned SDM/RO shall appoint a Nodal Officer to oversee the arrangements done by organizers and the Sub- Divisional Police Officer concerned North Goa shall ensure the compliance of instructions and COVID appropriate behaviour guidelines.

All remaining restrictions as contained in the Revised Broad Guidelines for Conduct of Election 2022, issued on 8th January shall continue. If the candidate or political party violates any of the above guidelines, no further permission shall be given to the concerned candidate/party for rallies, meetings, etc.

The Returning Officers/Assistant Returning Officers, Flying Squads, Sector Magistrates/Officer, Police or any other authorized Officers/Officials shall act immediately in case any violation comes to their notice or reported to them and initiate necessary action against the violator by filing FIR under appropriate section before the respective police station.

This order shall come into force with immediate effect, failure to comply with this order shall be liable for penal action under Section 188 of Indian Penal and other provisions of laws in force.

This shall supersede the earlier order issued by this office vide No. 40/16/2022-MAG-ELN/L & O/ Rally/270 dated 31-01-2022.

Given under my hand and seal of this office on

this 6th day of February, 2022.

Panaji.—The District Magistrate & DEO (North),

Ajit Roy, IAS.

www.goaprintingpress.gov.in ______________________________ Published and Printed by the Director, Printing & Stationery, Government Printing Press, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Panaji-Goa 403 001.