Pune: Strict Code of Conduct Enforced in Pune District to Ensure Peaceful Civic Polls
Pune, 12th November 2025: With civic elections around the corner, Pune District Collector and District Magistrate Jitendra Dudi has announced a comprehensive set of restrictions to maintain peace, order, and fairness throughout the polling process. Exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the order will remain effective until December 3, 2025, covering all areas under Pune district’s jurisdiction.
Crackdown on Public Processions and Rallies
To prevent disturbances and maintain neutrality during the campaign period, all processions, rallies, morchas, hunger strikes, and public meetings have been strictly banned around key election offices. These include the Collectorate, Sub-Divisional Offices, Taluka Magistrate offices, as well as government and semi-government premises. Slogans, songs, or musical demonstrations will also not be permitted near these locations.
Guidelines on Campaign Material and Vehicle Use
The Collector’s order limits the use of campaign vehicles and publicity material to avoid nuisance or obstruction.
-No political party or candidate may deploy more than 10 vehicles for campaigning without formal approval.
-Displaying banners, cutouts, hoardings, and arches that disrupt public movement or pose safety hazards is strictly prohibited.
-Party flags must be fixed only on the left side of vehicles, extending no more than two feet above the roofline, while cloth banners may appear only behind the driver’s seat or on side panels.
Only vehicles officially authorized by the district party president, election officer, or candidate may display campaign insignia. Unauthorized vehicles carrying political material will face immediate action.
Regulation on Loudspeaker Use
Sound amplification during campaigns will also come under tight scrutiny. No individual, organization, or political party can use loudspeakers or sound systems without prior police approval.
-Their use is banned between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
-Campaign vehicles must remain stationary while broadcasting messages; mobile announcements are not permitted.
All such permissions must be reported to the District Magistrate, Returning Officer, and local police authorities.
Printing presses, political parties, and candidates have been warned against using the names or election symbols of opponents on sample ballot papers. These samples must also match the Election Commission’s prescribed dimensions and paper standards, the order states.
Collector Dudi has cautioned that any breach of these directives will invite legal proceedings under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023) and other relevant laws.
Through these measures, the administration seeks to ensure that the Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections are held in an atmosphere of discipline, transparency, and public trust, free from intimidation, noise, and undue influence.
