Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Over Alleged Media Influence During Elections

The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL seeking investigation against media houses for airing exit polls after the final phase of Lok Sabha elections. The court labeled the petition as political interest litigation, emphasizing governance over election controversies and leaving regulatory duties to the Election Commission.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation against media houses for broadcasting exit polls immediately after the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, called the PIL a political interest litigation and emphasized the need to move on to governance matters.

The plea accused media houses of influencing investors by airing exit polls that allegedly led to a substantial market crash, resulting in a loss of Rs 31 lakh crore. The petition argued that this activity violated the Representation of People Act, 1951, and adversely impacted the Indian economy and its global reputation.

Despite the petition's appeal for a probe against prominent media networks and their associates, such as India Today, Times Now, and Republic Media Network, the Supreme Court stood firm in its decision to dismiss the case, underscoring the responsibility of the Election Commission in handling such issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)