Hyderabad: ECI bans exit polls for Jubilee Hills by-election, issues notification

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned the exit polls for the Jubilee Hills assembly constituency by-election.

In a notification, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, who is also the District Election Officer, stated that no person shall conduct, publish, or publicize any exit poll through print, electronic, or any other media during the period from 7:00 AM on 6th November 2025 (Thursday) to 6:30 PM on 11th November 2025 (Tuesday).

This restriction extends to television, radio, newspapers, social media platforms, and all digital or online channels.

Any violation of this directive will attract penal action under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which stipulates imprisonment up to two years, or fine, or both, the notification said.

Furthermore, under Section 126(1)(b) of the Act, the display of any election matter, including results of opinion polls or surveys, is strictly prohibited during the 48 hours preceding the close of polling.

Karnan has urged media houses, political parties, digital influencers, and all stakeholders to strictly adhere to these statutory provisions to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.