An FIR (No. 0030/2025) has been registered under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Section 223 of the BNS 2023 regarding publication of an opinion poll in relation to the Ludhiana West by-election to be held on June 19, 2025. The publication of the opinion poll is in violation of the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, which prohibits publication or broadcasting of opinion polls in electronic media during the period of 48 hours before the closure of polling.
This complaint was formally made by the Returning Officer of 64-Ludhiana West Assembly Constituency. The publication of such polls is seen as an attempt to influence voter perception/opinion and electoral response, thereby damaging the integrity of the electoral process.
It is important to mention that several complaints were received against some online channels like “Turn Times, Jan Hitesh, The City Headlines and E News Punjab” for publishing opinion polls during the banned hours and on this basis, Cyber Crime Police Station, Ludhiana has registered an FIR under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code, 2023 and further investigation is being conducted.
Strict action will be taken against any person or entity found guilty of violating the directions of the Election Commission as per the law.
