This Durga Puja, the district administration would deal with committees playing indecent songs or displaying cartoons of political lead- ers strictly.

Puja organisers in the state capital often play raunchy Bhojpuri and Bollywood songs and put up caricatures of political leaders. But this year, those violating the code of decency might be taken to task.

Police personnel would be deployed near Puja pandals to maintain vigil on behalf of the district administration.

District magistrate (DM) Sanjay Kumar Singh told The Telegraph: “The Puja organisers should maintain decency at their pandals. Their acts should not hurt others’ feelings and sentiments. Anybody can complain to the police officers deputed near pandals if his/her feelings are hurt or he/she has a problem with any act of the Puja committee members.”

He added: “I would rather say that people should not play vulgar songs. They should stick to devotional songs to avoid any action by the police. Music should be played at the level of volume prescribed by the district administration. Puja organisers must not make any political cartoons and caricatures that malign the character of any person. Strict action would be taken against the violators.”

On police deployment, DM Singh said: “We are taking steps to contain any possible tension or unruly situation. Enough police personnel would be deputed in different areas to maintain vigil. The district admini- stration would also maintain tight vigil by deploying police officers in plainclothes in many areas.”

Told about the guidelines, Sanjeev Prasad Toni, the president of Navyuvak Sangh Shree Durga Puja Samiti at Dakbungalow Chowk, said: “I think we should only stick to devotional songs, as the occasion is religious. We should focus more on the Puja instead of sparking off controversy by playing raunchy songs. People visit with their families and they would not appreciate such songs. Even cartoons should only be made for children, not political ones but of monkeys, lions and tigers.”

Citizens echoed similar sentiments. Kadamkuan resident Arvind Bihari Sharma (44) said: “I firmly believe that devotional songs should be played during Durga Puja.”

Valmiki Prasad (55), a resident of Chudi Market, said: “The district administration has taken a good decision. Playing loud vulgar songs is no way to celebrate the festival. They should be completely banned.”

On the cartoon issue, he added: “We do not have the right to malign the character of any individual.”