48 hours before elections, known as the silence period or pre-election silence, is when all campaign-related or election-related activity is supposed to be halted, and no one, including persons like citizens, journalists, politicians, etc. are allowed to partake in any such activity. This is done to give the voters a peaceful break from being influenced by campaigns so that they may make a considered decision while voting.

Under the Sections 126, 126A and 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act), all election-related activities, which are activities intended or likely to influence or affect the results of an election like holding public meetings, giving speeches, etc. are prohibited during the silence period. Most of this is enforced through notifications by the Election Commission of India (ECI). For example, this notification specifies many of the duties and prohibitions in relation with the 2020 General Election to the Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi.