Ludhiana bypoll: FIR lodged against online news channels for publishing opinion polls
Chandigarh (PTI): 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 7:00 am till 6:00 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.
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Rahul Gandhi to attend friendly football match between Messi, Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad
Hyderabad (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will attend the GOAT India Tour event featuring football legend Lionel Messi at the RGI Cricket Stadium here on Saturday evening, Telangana Congress sources said.
A friendly match will be played between the two teams -- Singareni RR9 and Aparna-Messi All Stars. These two teams will be playing a 15-20 minute friendly match and five minutes before the game, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a football enthusiast and Messi will join and will dribble the ball together.
Rahul Gandhi will land here on a special flight at 4.30 PM and will proceed to Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel where Messi will be staying.
After watching the game, Gandhi will leave for the national capital by 10.30 PM.
Elaborate security arrangements are being made for the event at the RGI Cricket stadium.
Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu said security would be provided with 3,000 personnel.
