The West Tripura district administration has announced sweeping restrictions ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections, scheduled for September 28. The prohibitory orders, issued by District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, will remain in force from September 26, 4:00 PM until September 29, 6:00 AM.

The measures are aimed at preventing illegal gatherings, distribution of cash, liquor, or gifts, and any activity that could disrupt peace and order during the polls. Voting will take place on September 28 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM across West Tripura.

Key Restrictions

Gatherings of five or more persons are prohibited, regardless of whether weapons are carried. Items such as sticks, rods, bamboo, or stones that could be used as weapons are banned.

Public meetings, rallies, processions, and speeches are disallowed during the restriction period.

Use of loudspeakers for campaigning or public gatherings is prohibited.

Within a 200‑meter radius of polling stations, special restrictions will apply to prevent crowding or unlawful activity.

Motorcycle or vehicle convoys involving two or more vehicles moving together in a manner resembling unlawful assembly are banned.

The administration clarified that the restrictions are not intended to disrupt daily life. Voters with valid ID cards, election officials, CAPF and police personnel on duty, government employees engaged in official work, accredited media representatives, and authorised election vehicles are exempt. Voters may use personal vehicles to reach polling stations, but only with family members—transporting other voters is not permitted.

Government and private offices, schools, markets, religious functions, weddings, and social events will continue as usual, provided they comply with the stipulated conditions. Approved motorcades of candidates and authorised election vehicles will also be allowed. Facilities such as drinking water and wheelchairs for specially‑abled voters will remain available at polling stations.

The administration has warned that violations will invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Officials stressed that the restrictions are designed solely to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, not to inconvenience the public.