The Election Commission of India has imposed a ban on the conduct and publication of exit polls in connection with the forthcoming general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in eight Assembly constituencies across six states.

According to an official communication issued by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, the restriction will be in force from 7 a.m. on April 9 until 6:30 p.m. on April 29. During this period, conducting, publishing, or publicising the results of any exit poll through print, electronic media or any other means will be strictly prohibited.

The directive is in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which empowers the Commission to regulate such activities during elections. Any violation of the order may attract penal action, including imprisonment or fine, or both.

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It has also been clarified that displaying results of opinion polls or similar survey findings in electronic media will not be permitted during the 48 hours leading up to the conclusion of polling in the concerned areas.

The notification has been circulated to all concerned authorities, including media organisations, for strict compliance during the election period.