By Firstdespatch Desk May 02, 2026
Agartala, May 2 (FD) Ahead of the counting of votes for the Dharmanagar Assembly by-election scheduled on May 4, the North Tripura district administration has imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 in and around the designated counting centre.
The counting will take place alongside vote counting in five states, including neighbouring West Bengal, prompting heightened security arrangements in the district.
According to an official order issued by District Election Officer and District Magistrate of North Tripura, Chandni Chandran, IAS, the restrictions will come into force from 6:00 AM on May 4 and remain in effect until the completion of the counting process.
As part of the measures, all forms of public gatherings, movement of unauthorised vehicles, carrying of arms, and any activities likely to disturb law and order have been strictly prohibited within a 100-metre radius of the counting centre for the 56-Dharmanagar Assembly Constituency.
The administration stated that the restrictions are aimed at ensuring a peaceful, smooth, and transparent counting process, while preventing any untoward incidents during this sensitive period.
However, the order exempts officials engaged in election duties, security personnel, magistrates, emergency service providers, and other authorised individuals directly associated with the counting process.
To ensure public awareness, the district administration has directed that the order be widely publicised through loudspeakers and local media outlets.
Copies of the directive have been circulated to the Election Commission of Tripura, Home Department, Superintendent of Police, ICA Department, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, police authorities, and media organisations, including AIR and Doordarshan, for necessary action and dissemination.
The administration has warned that any violation of the prohibitory order will invite penal action under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023. FD JK