Pune: PMC Permits Political Meetings at Designated Locations During Model Code Period for 2025–26 Civic Polls
Pune, 25th December 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has permitted political parties and candidates to hold campaign meetings at designated civic locations during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the 2025–26 PMC elections.
The decision, approved under Municipal Commissioner Resolution No. 6/705 dated December 18, 2025, allows the organisation of chowk sabhas, corner meetings, and public gatherings at PMC-controlled roads, amenity spaces, open grounds, playgrounds, and municipal primary and secondary school premises, subject to prescribed fees and conditions.
A consolidated list of approved venues has been jointly prepared by the PMC’s Property Management Department, Education Board, and the Police Special Branch. Venue-wise details, including rental charges, security deposits, sanitation fees, and police clearance requirements, have been published on the PMC’s official website (www.pmc.gov.in) under the Circulars and Press Notes sections.
The PMC’s Garden Department has reiterated that political meetings are strictly prohibited within municipal gardens. The display of political banners, flags, posters, or hoardings inside garden premises is also banned in accordance with existing civic regulations.
Candidates and political parties seeking permission must submit applications through the Single Window System at their respective ward offices. Permissions will be granted only after payment of the applicable licence fee, security deposit, and cleaning charges to the PMC treasury, and will be subject to compliance with all stipulated conditions.
The civic body has warned that unauthorised political meetings conducted at road junctions or open spaces without prior approval will attract a penalty equivalent to one-and-a-half times the applicable licence fee. Failure to pay the penalty within the stipulated period will result in the matter being referred to the concerned Election Decision Officer for recovery proceedings.
For permitted events, organisers must obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Traffic Police Department and the local police. Temporary stages or pandals measuring up to 10 feet by 10 feet will be allowed, provided no damage is caused to roads or footpaths. Any unauthorised digging of public infrastructure will invite a penalty of ₹2,000 per pit, as per the prevailing pandal policy.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Elections) Prasad Katkar stated, “All permissions will remain subject to the Election Commission’s guidelines and the Model Code of Conduct. In cases where multiple applications are received for the same venue on the same date, the decision of the concerned Election Decision Officer will be final.”
