Liquor sale and service will remain prohibited in notified pockets of North and Middle Andaman district on the occasion of upcoming local body bye-elections, with the district administration ordering the observance of “Dry Days” on both the polling and counting dates. The directive has been issued in connection with the bye-election to specific Gram Panchayat Member constituencies and a Zilla Parishad Member constituency.
The Dry Day restrictions will be in force on February 8, 2026, which is the poll day, and again on February 10, 2026, the day fixed for counting of votes. The order has been issued under the provisions of Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with Clause 4.3 (a) (7) of the A&N Excise Policy, 2013, and in reference to a communication from the Director of Panchayat and Municipal Elections.
The election process in question relates to the Gram Panchayat Member constituency Madhupur-6 under Gram Panchayat Madhupur in Diglipur tehsil, the Zilla Parishad Member constituency of Mayabunder under Mayabunder tehsil, and Bakultala-3 of Gram Panchayat Bakultala under Rangat tehsil. These constituencies form the core areas where the electoral exercise is being conducted, prompting enforcement of excise restrictions.
As per the order, no liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs or other establishments engaged in selling or serving liquor will be permitted to sell or serve alcohol to anyone within the entire area of Gram Panchayat Madhupur, the Zilla Parishad constituency covering Mayabunder, Pokkadera and Rampur, and Gram Panchayat Bakultala on the notified dates. The ban extends to all categories of premises licensed to deal in liquor within the specified jurisdictions.
The order specifically applies to all Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) vending licences operating in the concerned areas. This includes outlets run by ANIIDCO, Police Mess facilities, Canteen Stores Department canteens, Defence canteens and private bars functioning under valid licences in the notified limits. By covering institutional and private vending points alike, the administration has sought to ensure uniform enforcement.
In addition to the prohibition on sale and service, people have also been requested to refrain from consuming any spirituous or fermented liquor or wines and from displaying such products for sale on the above dates within the affected areas. Such advisories are typically issued to maintain public order and uphold the integrity of the electoral process during the sensitive polling and counting phases.
Dry Days are a routine feature during elections, aimed at preventing undue influence, maintaining a level playing field and reducing the possibility of law and order issues linked to alcohol consumption. The legal backing through both election law and excise policy provisions provides the administrative framework for enforcement through local authorities and excise officials.
With the dates now formally notified, licensed establishments in the specified panchayat and parishad jurisdictions are expected to make operational adjustments in line with the restrictions. The order forms part of the broader set of arrangements that accompany conduct of elections at the grassroots level, covering regulatory, security and logistical aspects tied to the polling and counting schedule
