To ensure peaceful polling for the Maharashtra Legislative Council's Pune Division Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies, various restrictions have been imposed within the Pimpri-Chinchwad police commissionerate limits until October 31, 2026. Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar issued the orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Voting for these elections will take place on October 23, while the counting of votes is scheduled for October 27.
According to the order, defacing government, semi-government, or public property during the election period is prohibited. Processions, marches, public meetings, hunger strikes, sloganeering, playing musical instruments, or singing songs have been banned in the vicinity of the District Collector's office, Sub-Divisional Officer and Tehsil offices, other government offices, and assembly constituency offices.
No individual, organization, or political party will be allowed to use loudspeakers without police permission. The use of loudspeakers on moving vehicles is prohibited, and there will be a complete ban on their use before 6 am and after 10 pm. Using more vehicles than the prescribed limit for campaigning is not allowed; however, vehicles on official government duty are exempted. Opening temporary party offices near religious places, hospitals, educational institutions, and public places is also prohibited.
Additionally, under Section 36 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, special powers have been granted to the in-charge officers of police stations in the election-bound areas. Accordingly, they can determine the routes of processions, issue orders regarding the behavior of crowds, set volume limits for loudspeakers, and control the location, date, and time of campaign rallies. These powers are applicable from September 25 until midnight on October 31.
The order states that action will be taken against those violating the directives under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as the relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act.
