EC proposal to ban opinion polls needs discussion: Govt

In written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, he said, "A proposal of the Election Commission for putting ban on opinion polls during election has been received."

Since this issue has a direct bearing on the Rights to Freedom of Speech and Expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, it would be imperative that it is discussed and deliberated at length before initiating any legislative measure in this regard, Kumar added.

"In view of the complexity of the subject, it is not possible to lay down any rigid time frame in this regard," he said.

To a separate question whether the government proposes to amend Sec 3(2)(g) of the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, he said, "There is a proposal to make amendments to this section. It is proposed to move the Bill in the current session of Parliament."

Replying to a question over shortage of judges, Kumar said, "Emphasis is being laid on increasing the number of judges in subordinate judiciary by filling existing vacancies and creating additional posts so that disposal of cases is expedited and there is a reduction in overall pendency."

The Law Commission is working on collecting information on various parameters with a view to arrive at scientific and rational criteria for determination or requirement of additional judges/ courts in the country, he added.

On whether government has proposed any step to cancel registration of political parties which have not contested elections in last five years, the Law Minister said, "The information about the parties contesting in local bodies elections is not available in the Election Commission."