Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957
1[29A. Prohibition of going armed to or near a polling station.-- (1) No person, other than the returning officer, the presiding officer, any police officer and any other person appointed to maintain peace and order at a polling station who is on duty at the polling station, shall, on a polling day, go armed with arms, as defined in the Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), of any kind within the neighbourhood of a polling station.
- (2)If any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine, or with both.
- (3)Notwithstanding anything contained in the Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959), where a person is convicted of an offence, under this section, the arms as defined in the said Act found in his possession shall be liable to confiscation and the licence granted in relation to such arms shall be deemed to have revoked under section 17 of that Act. (4) An offence punishable under sub-section (2) shall be cognizable.]
Summary
- This provision strictly prohibits anyone from carrying weapons near a polling station on voting day.
- Exceptions are made for the returning officer, presiding officer, police, and others officially appointed to keep peace at the station.
- Breaking this rule can lead to up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
- Any weapons found on a convicted person will be confiscated.
- The firearms license of a convicted person is automatically treated as revoked under the Arms Act.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can I carry a licensed gun to vote under Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957?
No, under Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, you cannot go armed near a polling station, even with a license, unless you are officially on duty to maintain peace.
2. What happens to the weapon if someone is convicted under Section 29A of the civic law?
Under Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, the arms found in the person's possession will be confiscated.
3. Will someone lose their gun license for violating Section 29A of the municipal act?
Yes, under Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, upon conviction, the license granted for those arms is deemed to be revoked.
Test yourself
Q1.Who is permitted to go armed to a polling station under Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957?
Q2.What is the maximum prison sentence for carrying arms to a polling station under Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957?
Q3.Under Section 17 and Section 29A of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, if a candidate's agent goes armed to a polling station to intimidate voters, what could happen?
Q4.If a candidate's election is challenged under Section 17 of The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 because a supporter violated Section 29A, can the candidate save their election?