Prohibitory orders issued ahead of Biennial Election to Legislative Council in Hyderabad

Telangana Legislative Council, in Hyderabad.
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

Hyderabad City Police have issued prohibitory orders aimed at maintaining law and order ahead of the Biennial Election to the Telangana Legislative Council – Hyderabad Local Authorities Constituency, 2025.

With polling scheduled for April 23 and counting set to take place on April 25, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner C.V. Anand has announced a range of restrictions. According to the directive, gatherings of five or more individuals will be strictly prohibited within 200 metres of polling stations on polling day, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The same rule will apply at vote counting centres on April 25 during the same hours.

A blanket ban on liquor sales and service will also be enforced across all hotels, clubs, bars, restaurants, and even luxury establishments. The restrictions will be in place from 4 p.m. on April 21 until 4 p.m. on April 23, and again for 24 hours from 6 a.m. on April 25.

In addition, celebratory activities on counting day have been explicitly banned. The bursting or throwing of firecrackers in public spaces will not be permitted from 6 a.m. on April 25 to 6 a.m. on April 26. Violators may face prosecution.

The orders extend further, with comprehensive restrictions in place from 4 p.m. on April 21 until 6 a.m. on April 24, and again on counting day. These include a ban on processions, the carrying of sticks or weapons (including flag-bearing batons), the construction of temporary structures such as pandals and shamianas, and the use of loudspeakers, microphones, or public address systems.

Also prohibited are sloganeering, musical performances, symbolic gestures, and the distribution of placards or imagery that could incite communal discord.

Exemptions will apply only to police officers, members of the armed and paramilitary forces, and authorised election officials on duty. Limited door-to-door campaigning by groups of fewer than five individuals may continue, though authorities advise caution.