ECI notifies bye-elections to Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar Assembly seats; nominations begin

📌 Summary:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued notifications on 6 July 2026 for bye-elections to three Assembly constituencies: 22-Datia (Madhya Pradesh), 145-Manjalpur (Gujarat) and 182-Bankipur (Bihar)
• Schedule: last date for nominations 13 July; scrutiny 14 July; withdrawal 16 July; poll (if necessary) 30 July (7 AM–6 PM); counting 3 August 2026
• ECI directed states to ensure a paid holiday on poll day under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 — daily-wage and casual workers included; contravening employers face a fine
• Electors employed outside their constituency but registered in the poll-bound seat are also entitled to the paid holiday to cast their vote
• Under Section 135C RPA 1951, a 'dry day' (ban on sale/distribution of liquor) applies within the polling area for 48 hours before the close of poll, and also on counting day (3 August)

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 Polity — powers of the ECI in conducting elections and statutory safeguards under the RPA, 1951 (paid holiday, dry day) that protect the franchise, especially for informal-sector workers.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Section 135B RPA 1951 — paid holiday on poll day for employees
• Section 135C RPA 1951 — 'dry day' provision (48 hours before poll close)
• Constituencies: 22-Datia (MP), 145-Manjalpur (Gujarat), 182-Bankipur (Bihar)

🔑 Key Term: Dry Day — a day on which the sale and distribution of liquor is prohibited, mandated around polling under Section 135C of the RPA, 1951.