”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,” Sibal had informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.
Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath yesterday said that it is for Parliament to decide on banning opinion polls.
”We never hesitate to use powers that we can. However,the issue of opinion polls is to be dealt with by the lawmakers. They have the legislative competence,” he had said.
Prominent parties which sought a ban or restriction on opinion polls ahead of 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 fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression.
