Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

 

Model Code of Conduct (MCC) 

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to regulate the behavior of political parties and governments during elections.

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📜 What is the MCC?

✅ Non-statutory (not a law passed by Parliament)

✅ Based on consensus & moral authority

✅ Enforced by the ECI under Article 324

It comes into force from the date of announcement of the election schedule and remains till results.

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⚖️ Constitutional Basis

• Article 324 → Superintendence, direction & control of elections vested in ECI

• MCC itself is not mentioned in the Constitution

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🎯 Objectives

✔ Ensure free & fair elections

✔ Maintain level playing field

✔ Prevent misuse of official machinery

✔ Regulate campaign ethics

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🧭 Key Provisions

1️⃣ For Political Parties & Candidates

❌ No hate speech / caste / communal appeals

❌ No bribery / voter intimidation

❌ No personal attacks based on private life

❌ No use of places of worship for campaigning

✅ Campaigns must be issue-based & respectful

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2️⃣ For Party in Power (Union/State)

❌ No announcement of new schemes/projects

❌ No ad campaigns using public money

❌ No transfers/postings of officials without ECI approval

❌ No use of government vehicles, staff, or buildings for campaigns

✅ Routine administration allowed

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3️⃣ Government Advertisements

❌ No self-promotional ads

❌ No highlighting achievements likely to influence voters

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4️⃣ Manifestos (Post Supreme Court Guidance)

✅ Must align with constitutional principles

✅ Should indicate financial implications

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🚨 When is MCC Violated?

Examples:

• Announcing new welfare schemes after schedule announcement

• Ministers using official machinery for campaigns

• Communal speeches

• Cash/gift distribution to voters

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🛠️ How Does ECI Enforce MCC?

Since MCC is non-statutory:

✔ Censure / warning

✔ FIR under relevant laws (IPC, RP Act)

✔ Campaign ban

✔ Transfer/suspension of officials

✔ Freeze schemes/advertisements

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⚠️ Limitations of MCC

❗ Not legally binding like a statute

❗ Enforcement depends on ECI authority

❗ Allegations of inconsistent application

❗ No fixed penalties defined in MCC itself

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🔍 Important UPSC Themes

📌 1. MCC vs Governance Continuity

How to balance welfare delivery with election neutrality?

📌 2. Non-statutory Nature

Should MCC be given statutory backing?

📌 3. Level Playing Field

Prevents ruling party advantage

📌 4. Judicial Views

SC has upheld ECI’s wide powers under Art. 324

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📝 Use in Mains Answers

GS Paper II (Polity)

• Electoral reforms

• ECI powers

• Democratic ethics

GS Paper IV (Ethics)

• Misuse of public office

• Probity & fairness

Essay Topics

• “Free & Fair Elections: Role of MCC”

• “Should MCC be a Law?”