Section 163 imposed around strong rooms ahead of counting, security tightened in Kolkata
The Statesman | 1 May 2026
With the polling process for the West Bengal Assembly election now over, the administration has stepped up security measures ahead of the counting day. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, have been imposed around all designated strong rooms falling under the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police, where ballot papers and polled Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are currently stored.
The order was issued on 30 April by Kolkata Police Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Ajay Nand, citing the need to maintain law and order, ensure public tranquillity, and safeguard the strong rooms during the storage period before counting begins.
According to the notification, assembly of five or more persons within a radius of 200 metres of each strong room has been prohibited. Processions, rallies, public meetings, demonstrations, and any form of unlawful gathering in the vicinity have also been banned.
The order further prohibits carrying firearms, sharp weapons, lathis, explosives, firecrackers, inflammable materials, stones, bricks, or any object that may be used as a weapon in the restricted zone. Unauthorised items not permitted by the Election Commission of India have also been barred from the area.
However, the restrictions will not apply to police personnel on duty, members of deployed armed forces, government officials engaged in election duty, and persons specifically authorised by the competent authority.
Officials said the move was taken as a precautionary measure in view of possible tension or untoward incidents during the period when EVMs and ballot papers remain stored in strong rooms.
The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain operational until the counting process begins. Authorities have also warned that any violation of the directive will invite prosecution under relevant provisions of law.
The notification will be publicised through newspapers, electronic and social media platforms, as well as by affixing copies at police stations and other government offices.