Pune Gears Up for Elections: Mobile Phone Ban Near Polling Stations, Voters Must Switch Off, Deposit Devices
Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 12th May 2024: Ahead of the Lok Sabha polling scheduled for 13th May (Monday), the Pune police issued a press note announcing restrictions on mobile phones within a 100-meter perimeter of polling stations under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This directive was further reinforced today by a video statement from Pune District Collector and District Electoral Officer, Dr Suhas Diwase.
The detailed press note specifies that the use of mobile phones within the specified perimeter is prohibited. Additionally, both videography and photography are strictly prohibited within 100 meters of a polling station. However, conflicting interpretations of these statements sparked reactions among social media users on Twitter.
No Cell Phones Allowed within 100 Meters of Polling Stations: #Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase pic.twitter.com/uF4lwaWjwl
— Punekar News (@punekarnews) May 12, 2024
In response to these reactions, Punekar News sought clarification from reliable sources within the Pune Police Commissionerate. Sources within the commissionerate confirmed that mobile phones must be switched off upon entering the 100-meter radius of polling stations. Furthermore, individuals are required to deposit their mobile phones at designated places outside the polling stations.
Officials from the Collectorate also confirmed the availability of designated areas for submitting mobile phones before entering polling stations. These measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process during the upcoming Lok Sabha polling on 13th May in Pune.
