Government today indicated that it will take a final call on banning opinion polls only after consulting “stakeholders” after the Law Commission submits its comprehensive report on electoral reforms.
“The issue of electoral reforms in its entirety, which, inter alia, includes ban on opinion polls and advertisements in print media on the day of the polls, has been referred to the Law Commission for its recommendation.
“...on receipt of the report of the Law Commission on electoral reforms, the matter will be further examined in consultation with the stakeholders,” Law Minister Kapil Sibal informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.
Quoting the Election Commission, he said most of the political parties have favoured a ban on opinion polls.
He was asked whether the government proposes to ban opinion polls and advertisements appearing in print media on the day of the polls.
Law Commission Chairman Justice (retd) A.P Shah had recently said that the panel will be able to submit its report on electoral reforms to the Law Ministry in April, when possibly the general elections will be underway.
A ban on opinion polls could require amending the Representation of the People Act.
Prominent parties which sought a ban or restriction on opinion polls ahead of the Lok Sabha elections include Congress, CPI-M, BSP, NCP, SP, AIADMK, DMK, JD-U, SAD and Shiv Sena.
BJP, however, says there should be no ban as this would fall in the realm of a restriction on the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.