Can’t Use Astrologers for Prediction to Bypass Ban on Exit Polls

This was done to ensure free, fair and transparent elections during the prohibited period.

The prediction of election results by astrologers and tarot readers in the period when there is a ban on broadcasting exit polls is a violation of law, the Election Commission has ruled today.

It asked the media, both electronic and print, to "refrain" from airing and publishing such programmes in future elections during the prohibited period to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

In an advisory sent to the media organisation, the poll watchdog pointed to Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, which states that "no person shall conduct any exit poll, and publish or publicise by means of the print and electronic media, or disseminate in any other manner, whatsoever, the result of any exit poll during such period as may be notified by the Election Commission..."

During the elections to the assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, the period during which exit polls were banned was 7 am on 4 February, when the first phase of elections commenced till 5.30 pm on 9 March, when the last of the polls were held.

"...it has been observed that some of the TV channels telecast certain programmes projecting the number of seats likely to be won by political parties. This was done during the period exit polls were prohibited...," the advisory said.

Also Reads: UP Elections: Of One-Man Parties, Astrology & Modi Gaming Apps

It pointed out that in one of the channels, the panelists on the show, who were persons from different fields, had put forward the projected number of seats likely to be won by different parties in Uttar Pradesh.

"The Commission is of the view that prediction of election results in any form or manner by way of predictions by astrologers, tarot readers, political analysts or by any person during the prohibited period is violation of the spirit of Section 126A..." the Commission said.

Also Read: Forget Opinion Polls, now Astrologers Also Tell You Who May Win

The strongly-worded advisory, also sent to the Press Council of India and News Broadcasters Association, said "such attempts merely to score brownie points against the competitors for commercial reasons do not behove well."

(Published in arrangement with IANS. )

Join The Quint on WhatsApp. Type “JOIN” and send to 9910181818.