THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 20
Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, announced on Monday that, in adherence to the Model Code of Conduct for the 2024 Lok Sabha General Election, all personnel of the Police Department, from the rank of Director General of Police down to constable, will be considered on deputation to the Election Commission of India. This decision stems from their direct or indirect involvement in election management and conduct, in accordance with Section 28A of the Representation of People Act, 1951, effective immediately.
Sibin C elaborated that a Gazette Notification has been issued by the State Government to formalize this arrangement. He clarified that the directive extends to various ranks within the police hierarchy, including Director General of Police, Additional Director Generals of Police, Inspector Generals of Police (both at headquarters and in the field), Commissioners of Police, Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (both at headquarters and in the field), Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (both at headquarters and in the field), Senior Superintendents of Police, Superintendents of Police, Sub-Divisional Police Officers such as Deputy Superintendents of Police, as well as other police officers and officials including Inspectors, Sub Inspectors, Assistant Sub Inspectors, Head Constables, and Constables.
According to Sibin C, these deputations will remain in effect until the conclusion of the Election Process.