Exit polls banned from April 9 to April 29; EC warns of jail, fine under law

The Election Commission has barred the conduct and publication of exit polls from 7 am on April 9 to 6:30 pm on April 29, covering the entire polling period for upcoming assembly elections across multiple states. The restriction applies to elections in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

The poll body said that any violation of this directive would attract action under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. It warned that conducting or broadcasting exit polls during this period is a punishable offence, carrying penalties of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.

Polling for Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry is scheduled for April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will have elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The restriction on exit polls will remain in force until the conclusion of voting across all states.

The Commission also highlighted the enforcement of the 48-hour silence period before polling, during which campaigning must stop. This silence period has already come into effect in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam ahead of their respective polling dates.