No Ban on Exit Polls

NEW DELHI, 10 April 2004 — In keeping with Attorney General Soli Sorabjee’s legal stand, the government yesterday rejected an Election Commission proposal for an ordinance banning publication of opinion and exit polls until May 10.

The government had sought the attorney general’s opinion on the commission’s proposal. In his response, Sorabjee said it would violate the fundamental right to free speech. Sorabjee’s response to the government was forwarded by the Law Ministry to the Election Commission, saying it concurred with his view.