SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 04: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has enforced a strict prohibition on the conduct and publication of exit polls by media outlets during the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections. This ban is implemented under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
According to the notification, the ban on exit polls will take effect from the start of polling hours on the first day of voting and will remain in force until 30 minutes after the conclusion of polling across Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to begin on September 18, 2024, and will be conducted in three phases across the Union Territory.
The notification also referenced the election schedule for the ongoing General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, which was announced by the Election Commission through Press Note No. ECU/PN/128/2024 on August 16, 2024, and Press Note No. ECU/PN/132/2024 on August 31, 2024.
The Election Commission, invoking Section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, emphasized that “no individual shall conduct, publish, or publicize through print, electronic media, or any other means, the results of any exit poll during the notified period.”
The notification further explained that the Election Commission, through a general order, will specify the date and time of the ban, considering the following guidelines:
- In the case of a general election, the ban period begins with the start of polling hours on the first day and continues until half an hour after polling ends in all States and Union Territories.
- In the event of a bye-election or multiple bye-elections held together, the ban will start from the beginning of polling on the first day and extend until 30 minutes after the last poll concludes.
It was also noted that any violation of this section could lead to imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
As per the powers granted under sub-section (1) of Section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, the Election Commission has announced that the period from 7:00 AM on September 18, 2024 (Wednesday), to 6:30 PM on October 5, 2024 (Saturday), will be the timeframe during which exit polls are strictly prohibited in connection with these general elections. Additionally, under Section 126(1)(b) of the R.P. Act, 1951, displaying any election-related matter, including the results of opinion polls or other survey results, is banned during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of polling for the respective phases of the elections.
