Why in News?

• The Election Commission of India has enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) after announcing the 2026 Assembly elections.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

• Set of guidelines regulating political parties, candidates, and the government during elections
• Ensures free, fair, and level playing field
• Prevents misuse of official machinery

Nature

• No statutory backing (not a law)
• Based on political consensus and moral authority
• Enforced under Article 324 of the Constitution of India
• Indirectly supported by laws like the Representation of the People Act, 1951

Duration

• From announcement of elections till declaration of results

Evolution

• 1960: Origin in Kerala elections
• 1979: Expanded into comprehensive code
• 1991: Strengthened under T. N. Seshan

Key Provisions

General Conduct

• No appeal to caste/communal sentiments
• No use of religious places for campaigning

Meetings & Processions

• Prior permission required
• Avoid clashes between rival parties

Polling Day

• No campaigning within 100 meters
• Ban on liquor/inducements

Party in Power

• No use of official machinery
• No policy announcements, grants, or appointments

Election Manifestos

• Must be realistic and financially justified
• Based on S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Government of Tamil Nadu

Technological Measures

• c-VIGIL App: Real-time reporting of violations
• SUVIDHA Portal: Fair allocation of public resources
• Voluntary Code of Ethics (2019): Coordination with social media platforms

Challenges

• No legal enforceability → weak deterrence
• Freebies vs welfare ambiguity
• Judicial delays reduce impact
• Digital threats:
  • Deepfakes, AI content
  • Surrogate ads, influencers
  • Encrypted platforms (e.g., WhatsApp)
• Credibility concerns:
  • Subjective interpretation
  • Allegations of bias/delayed action

Way Forward

• Give statutory backing (amend Representation of the People Act, 1951)
• Empower ECI to deregister parties
• Declare paid news as corrupt practice
• Extend silence period to digital media
• Establish fast-track election tribunals
• Ensure ECI autonomy (independent budget)
• Tech reforms:
  • AI watermarking
  • Stronger regulation of social media
  • Advanced monitoring tools

Conclusion

• MCC remains vital for electoral integrity
• Needs legal backing + technological strengthening for effective enforcement

Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), consider the following statements:

1. It has statutory backing under the Constitution of India.
2. It comes into force immediately after the announcement of the election schedule.
3. It is enforced by the Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Q2. Which of the following are provisions under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

1. Prohibition of the use of places of worship for election propaganda
2. Ban on announcing new government schemes by the ruling party during elections
3. Mandatory legal punishment for violation of MCC rules

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Q3. With reference to electoral reforms in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 explicitly provides statutory status to the Model Code of Conduct.
2. “Paid news” is currently classified as a corrupt practice under election law.
3. The S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Government of Tamil Nadu led to the inclusion of guidelines on election manifestos in MCC.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 3 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

✅ Answer: (a) 3 only