The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reiterated restrictions on the publication and broadcast of election-related content and exit polls during the silence period ahead of voting in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections and by-elections 2025.
As per the schedule announced on October 6, 2025, voting in Bihar will take place in two phases — on November 6 and November 11, 2025.
Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a 48-hour silence period before the conclusion of polling prohibits the display of any election-related material on television, radio, or similar platforms that may influence voters or affect election outcomes.
The ECI has directed all TV and radio channels, cable networks, and digital media platforms to ensure that no program or discussion during this period contains content, opinions, or appeals that could promote or prejudice any political party or candidate. This includes the display or publication of opinion polls.
Further, under Section 126A of the same Act, the publication and broadcast of exit polls and their results are strictly prohibited from 7:00 AM on November 6, 2025 (Thursday) to 6:30 PM on November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) across print, electronic, and digital media.
Violations of Section 126 can attract imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both. The Commission has urged all media organizations to comply with these directions in the spirit of fair and transparent elections.
