Delhi has declared February 3 to February 5, and February 8 as ‘dry days.’ All liquor shop and other outlet serving liquor business in the town will remain close on these specified dates. Thus, it also aims at effective and unbiased delivery of the general elections.
Excise Notification: Dry Days for Poling and Counting
The Delhi Excise Commissioner has issued a gazette notification mandating the observance of dry days under the Excise Rules-2010. Dry days will be observed from 6 pm on February 3 to 6 pm on February 5, which coincides with the polling period for the 70-member Delhi Assembly. The counting day, February 8, will also be observed as a dry day.
Restrictions on Liquor Sale and Service
The notice states that during these dry days, liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs, or any other business establishment will not be allowed to sell or dispense liquor. This ban would apply to every type of license, including a non-proprietary club, star hotel, and others that may have special licenses for possession and supply of liquor.
Goal: Fair and Impartial Elections
The main reason behind the declaration of dry days is that the elections have to be carried out without much disturbance and the influence of any external alcoholic substances. This has been decided with the general norms for conducting the elections in Delhi.
The dry day order is the Delhi government’s effort to maintain law and order in the crucial electoral period. Such restrictions are to be expected during the voting period, as these will ensure that the voting is free and fair, allowing citizens to vote freely without undue distraction or concern.