Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to ensure that people are not affected by the restrictions imposed under the election code of conduct, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has decided to issue directions to the district election officers (DEOs) to ensure that traditional religious activities are not disturbed, allowing them to continue even after 10pm.
The CEO has decided to meet with the DEO of North and South, to discuss the matter and issue specific directions to the flying squads.
A temple committee in Ponda has alleged that the flying squads are stopping religious programmes post 10pm and has urged CEO to reset the 10pm deadline. The move also comes considering the ongoing Lenten Season and Easter Vigil services, which will begin from April 20 at 11pm and continue past midnight.
Speaking to media persons, Additional CEO Narayan Sawant said a discussion will be held with the DEO and directions will be issued to ensure that traditional religious activities are not disturbed. “The religious activities don’t disturb the election process and hence, we will ensure that they are also not disturbed,” he said.
Sawant said that candle light Easter Vigil service is carried out in a peaceful manner and it does not affect the election process in any manner. “Still, we will keep watch on all those activities,” he said.
As far as a sound ban issue is concerned, Sawant said it is not being imposed under the election code but it is a rule under Noise Pollution Act that no loud speaker can be played after 10.00pm. “If there is representation, we will look into it considering the need,” he said.
Further, Deputy Chief Minister and Goa Forward Party (GFP) president Vijai Sardesai decided to request the Election Commission of India (ECI) to exempt traditional religious activities from the scope of sound ban imposed under Noise Pollution Rules. “All religions should come in the ambit of this exemption. This is relevant due to ongoing Lenten Season and pre-Easter services,” Sardesai tweeted.
In a bid to avoid any law and order situation, CEO has already appealed all the political parties to restrain itself from campaigning in the vicinity of churches on Good Friday, April 19.
