The Government of Puducherry has prohibited defacement of public and private properties in connection with the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections. In a notification, the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management said no political party, candidate or their supporters shall paste posters, write slogans, paint symbols or erect banners, hoardings or arches in public places or on private properties visible to the public.

The order has been issued following instructions from the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections and maintain law and order. The restriction will remain in force till the completion of the Assembly elections. However, voter awareness programmes conducted under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation initiative will be exempted from the notification.