2 minutes of readingPuneFebruary 1, 2026 21:39 IST
The prohibitory order issued by the Pune city police for the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls specifically warns of action against people posting videos of criminals on social media. The order will be in effect from February 3 to February 16 for local elections scheduled for February 7.
The State Election Commission has rescheduled the remaining phases of elections for 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis in Maharashtra following the declaration of three-day state mourning following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. The vote, which was previously scheduled for February 5, will now take place on February 7. February 9.
In view of the surveys, the Special Branch of the Pune The city police have issued prohibitory orders that will be in force for 14 days, from February 3 to 16. The notification in this regard was issued on Sunday by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr Sandeep Bhajibhakre for maintenance of law and order in the jurisdiction of Pune City Police.
The order prohibits the following actions: Possession of flammable and explosive substances; possession of weapons, including guns, swords and clubs. Burning of effigies, images of leaders; resort to any action, speech or slogan that may affect the public order situation; A group of five or more than five persons will not be allowed to take out a procession without prior permission from the Pune City Police Commissioner’s office.
The order further states: “The publication of videos of criminals on social networks with the aim of spreading them among the people and threatening others will be prohibited.” Those violating the orders can be prosecuted under the Maharashtra Police Act.