Election authorities in the Union Territory of Ladakh have prohibited political dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, hunger strikes and rallies within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. The order was issued by Chief Electoral Officer Rahul Sharma on November 11, 2026, ahead of the municipal committee elections.
The restriction applies to political parties, candidates, party workers, supporters and other individuals who may organise or participate in collective political activities within the notified municipal areas. The move is intended to maintain public order and create a peaceful atmosphere in which voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear, pressure or intimidation.
Political Protests Prohibited During the Election Period
According to the order, political parties and candidates are not permitted to organise or participate in dharnas, protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, hunger strikes, rallies or similar collective political activities within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil while the Model Code of Conduct remains in force.
The restriction covers both Municipal Committee areas. It is not described as a general ban covering every part of Ladakh; its stated geographical scope is the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil.
The Chief Electoral Officer has stated that such collective activities during the election period could create an atmosphere of fear or pressure among voters. They may also disturb public order and affect the conditions required for free, fair and peaceful elections.
The order directs political parties, candidates, their agents and supporters to follow the Model Code of Conduct strictly. They must ensure that no activity is carried out to intimidate, coerce or unduly influence electors.
Authorities Directed to Enforce the Restrictions
The District Election Officers, who are also the Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil, have been instructed to ensure that the order is implemented effectively. The respective Superintendents of Police and other concerned officials have also been assigned responsibility for enforcing the directions.
Election authorities have warned that violations will be dealt with under the relevant legal provisions and the Model Code of Conduct. Appropriate legal proceedings may be initiated against those who fail to comply with the restrictions.
The District Election Officers have also been directed to publicise the order widely through print and electronic media. Copies are to be displayed at prominent public locations, including Municipal Committee offices and the offices of the Deputy Commissioners, so that political organisations and residents are informed about the restrictions.
The order has been issued under Section 282 of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, read with the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Committee (Election) Rules, 2003. These provisions form part of the legal framework governing municipal elections in the region.
Leh and Kargil Municipal Elections Scheduled for November 21
The restrictions come ahead of elections to the Municipal Committees of Leh and Kargil. According to the schedule announced by the Chief Electoral Officer, polling is scheduled for November 21, 2026, and the election process is expected to be completed by November 30.
The Municipal Committee of Leh has 21 wards, while the Municipal Committee of Kargil has 17 wards, taking the total number of wards in the two municipal bodies to 38.
The election notification was issued on October 29. November 5 was fixed as the last date for filing nominations, while scrutiny of nomination papers was scheduled for November 6. Candidates were allowed to withdraw their nominations until November 9, when election symbols were also allotted and the list of contesting candidates was published.
The Model Code of Conduct came into force on October 23, following the announcement of the municipal election process. It will remain applicable until the completion of the elections.
Why Election Authorities Have Imposed the Ban
The main objective of the restrictions is to protect the electoral environment from activities that could influence voters through intimidation or pressure. Election periods can involve heightened political activity, public demonstrations and disagreements between competing groups. Authorities are responsible for ensuring that such activities do not interfere with the voting process or public safety.
The Model Code of Conduct provides guidelines for political parties and candidates during elections. It requires them to conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid actions that could create tension, intimidation or unfair pressure on voters.
The Election Commission of India’s general guidelines also call on political parties and candidates to avoid activities that may aggravate differences or create tension between communities. They are expected to conduct their political activities in a manner that supports a fair electoral process.
Election Commission of India
Separate Election Schedule for Ladakh Hill Development Councils
Ladakh is also preparing for elections to its Autonomous Hill Development Councils. These are separate from the municipal committee elections in Leh and Kargil. The administration has announced December 4, 2026, as the polling date for elections to the eight Hill Development Councils, with the overall process scheduled to conclude by December 8.
The announcement of the Hill Council election schedule has also prompted political reactions in the region. Political and civil society groups have raised objections to the timing of the polls and have called for boycotts and protests. These developments form part of the wider political atmosphere in Ladakh, but the November 11 order specifically concerns collective political activities within the municipal limits of Leh and Kargil during the municipal election Model Code of Conduct period.
Election Authorities Emphasise Peaceful Polling
With municipal polling approaching, the Chief Electoral Officer has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to comply with the restrictions. District-level election officials and police authorities are expected to monitor the situation and take action in cases of violations.
The order seeks to ensure that voters in Leh and Kargil can participate in the municipal elections without intimidation or disruption. The restrictions will remain in force for the period specified under the Model Code of Conduct. Political parties and candidates are therefore required to follow the directions until the municipal election process is completed.
