Seeking to curb violence, the Election Commission today ordered imposition of prohibitory orders on Saturday in 53 constituencies of West Bengal which go for polls in the fifth phase of assembly elections.
The Commission also directed the top brass of state police, civil administration and officials of central forces to keep a strict watch on the law and order situation in their area and ensure "that even the last member of the weaker sections feels confident enough to come out of his dwelling and go to polling booth to vote freely".
The poll body also directed that those causing intimidation, creating fear or causing harm to citizens must be brought to book at the earliest.
"Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC would be promulgated on poll day and enforced strictly to ensure that any unlawful assembly is effectively curbed," it said.
It reiterated its order issued during previous phases that appropriate legal action be taken against trouble-makers irrespective of their political affiliation.
"The Commission strongly reiterates that entire election machinery including police authorities shall curb violence at all cost and ensure free, fair and peaceful elections," it said.
While ordering an increase in 'nakas' to effectively seat inter-district, inter-state and international borders, it said stringent be taken against "outsiders and bikers.
