Mangalore, April 27: The police authorities have directed political parties and candidates contesting the Assembly elections to adhere to norms fixed for use of public address system. They are allowed only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

A press release from Superintendent of Police N. Sathish Kumar here stated that it was mandatory to obtain permission from the department for using public address system or organising public meeting, procession and such other politically related activity.

Political parties or candidates wanting blanket permission to use such system across the district should contact the district police office in Mangalore. If the system was purely for local use, parties could contact the office of respective Circle Police Inspectors or Police Inspectors. “Use of public address system between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is strictly prohibited,” he said.Violations in this regard would be dealt with under Sound Pollution Act 2000 and Karnataka Police Act. The department would send a report about the violation to election observers appointed by the Election Commission. In case, two or more political parties applied for permission to conduct a public meeting at a particular place, the department would grant permission on “first come first served” basis, he said. “Parties have to furnish relevant details about the proposed meetings, including the place of publicity, nature of the programme, date, time, number of people expected to participate in the processions and the route on which the organisers intend to take it, details of leaders addressing the public, and so on. No meeting would be allowed to go beyond 10 p.m. Mr. Kumar said.

Hindu