PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
EXTRAORDINARY
GOVERNMENT OF GOA
Office of the District Magistrate & District Election Officer, South Goa District
Order
No. 38/24/02/2026/BYE-ELEC-21 P.A.C./MAG/XII/SG/M.O.831
Under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
Whereas the Election Commission of India has announced the Bye Election to 21 – Ponda Assembly Constituency, 2026 in South Goa District scheduled to be held on 09-04-2026 and the Election Model Code of Conduct has already come in force with effect from 16-03-2026. The Election Commission of India, New Delhi has inter alia issued various directions to ensure free, fair and peaceful Elections;
And whereas, in order to prevent undue influence of voters through distribution of liquor and to ensure free, fair, peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process, it is felt appropriate that the timings for closure of all liquor bars/shops, pubs, provision stores, etc. needs to be curtailed;
And whereas, Section 29(A) and other provisions of the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 and Rules thereunder empowers the District Magistrate to order the closure of all the liquor bars, pubs, shops, clubs, hotels, eating houses, tavern, restaurants, shacks, provision stores, food joints or any establishment serving or selling liquor etc. at such times and for such period as may think necessary and appropriate for preservation of public peace and tranquility;
And whereas, in my considered opinion, there is sufficient ground for proceeding under sub-section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 for closure of all liquor bars, pubs, shops, clubs, hotels, eating houses, tavern, restaurants, shacks, provision stores, food joints or any establishment where liquor is being served or sold etc.;
OFFICIAL GAZETTE — GOVT. OF GOA SERIES III No. 50 (EXTRAORDINARY) 16TH MARCH, 2026Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 read with Section 29 A of the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964, do hereby order that serving or selling of liquor in all the liquor bars, pubs, shops, clubs, hotels, eating houses, tavern, restaurants, shacks, provision stores, food joints or any establishment serving or selling liquor, etc. in the jurisdiction of 21 – Ponda Assembly Constituency in Ponda Taluka of South Goa District shall be closed everday by 11.00 p.m. with immediate effect till the election Model Code of Conduct is in force. However, this order shall not apply to those establishments, provision stores etc., which are otherwise required by law to be closed before 11.00 p.m.;
Only the sale and service of liquor in all liquor bars, pubs, shacks, clubs, provision stores or any establishments in the whole of South Goa District shall be stopped every day by 11.00 p.m. till election Model Code of Conduct is in force. Any violations of the above directions may be reported to the Office of the District Election Office.
Take note that, if any liquor shop, bars, pubs, shops, clubs, hotels, eating houses, tavern, restaurants, shacks, provision stores, food joints or any establishment is found selling and serving liquor beyond the aforesaid timings, during the said period, it shall result in cancellation of licenses and the owner or offender shall be liable for penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Section 30 of the Excise Duty Act, 1964 and under other relevant provisions of laws in force.
The Flying Squads/Excise Official/Sector Magistrates/Police or any other authorised Officers/Officials shall act immediately in case any violation comes to their notice or reported to them and should forthwith report such cases to the Commissioner of Excise and/or the Assistant Returning Officers concerned for further action in the matter.
Given under my hand and seal of this office on this 16th day of March, 2026.
Egna Cleetus, IAS, District Magistrate, South Goa District, Margao.