Exit polls: declines plea for early hearing

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) The Supreme Court today declined to fix early date of hearing of PIL filed by a Kerala voter seeking to regulate and ban broadcast and exhibition of opinion polls and exit polls on television channels,Radio and publication of these poll opinions in the print media.

A bench headed by Mrs. Justice Ruma Pal declined the prayer for early hearing of a pettition filed by Benedict Bobby,saying that there was no urgency in the matter and let it come in normal course.

The petitioner has pleaded that these polls influence the mind of the voter and are a hindrance in the conduct of free and fair polls.

The petition has also contended that this court had already admitted similar petition and this petition may also be tagged with that.

The petitioner has sought issuance of notices to the Centre and the Election Commission of India as EC is the main statutory body entrusted with the duty of conducting free and fair polls.

First phase of polling for Kerala assembly elections is scheduled to take place on April 22. The second and third phase of polling are scheduled to take place on April 29 and May 3.

UNI AKS/SC RP KN2000