Ludhiana bypoll: FIR lodged against online news channels for publishing opinion polls

Chandigarh: A case has been registered against some online news channels for allegedly publishing opinion polls in connection with the Ludhiana West bypoll scheduled to be held on Thursday.

The publication of the poll was allegedly carried out in violation of the guidelines issued by the Election Commission, which prohibits the publication or broadcasting of opinion polls in electronic media during the restricted period (48 hours prior to close of the poll).

The complaint was formally lodged by the Returning Officer of Ludhiana West assembly constituency, an official release said.

The publication of such a poll is viewed as an attempt to influence voter perception and election response, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

"Numerous complaints were received against online news channels like 'Turn Times, Jan Hitaishi, The City Headlines & E News Punjab' for publishing opinion polls during the restricted period," it said.

The FIR has been registered under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 and under Section 223 of BNS 2023, the release said.

Based on the contents of the complaint, the Cyber Crime Police Station, Ludhiana, has registered the FIR under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and further investigation is under process.

Polling will be held from 7 am till 6 pm on June 19 and the counting will be held on June 23.

The Ludhiana West assembly seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.