The Chief Electoral Officer of Puducherry has directed all establishments in the Union Territory to grant paid leave to employees who are registered as voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal to enable them to cast their votes in the  Assembly elections. Polling for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will be held tomorrow, while elections in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases-tomorrow and on April 29.

As per Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, granting paid leave on polling day is mandatory for all eligible employees. The order applies to government offices, private companies, industrial units, and commercial establishments, and no wage deduction is permitted for such leave. Employers have been urged to extend full cooperation to ensure maximum voter participation, failing which legal action may be initiated.

Students studying in educational institutions of Puducherry, who are registered as voters in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, have also been encouraged to exercise their franchise. Educational institutions have been instructed to grant them necessary leave or permission. The Chief Electoral Officer has appealed to all eligible voters to make use of the opportunity and participate in the democratic process.