The malleable Code of Conduct, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of norms agreed upon by political parties to maintain fair elections.
• The MCC is implemented from the announcement of election schedules until the declaration of results.
• The MCC restricts the ruling party from announcing new financial grants or projects that could influence voters.
• The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY) in Bihar, launched in August 2025, is seen as a violation of the MCC due to cash disbursements before elections.
• The Election Commission of India (EC) revised the MCC in 2013 but it remains a voluntary code.

Detailed Insights:

• The MCC aims to ensure a level playing field during elections by preventing the ruling party from using its power to sway voters through new schemes or grants.
• While violations of campaign process aspects of the MCC can be addressed through existing criminal laws and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, enforcement regarding financial announcements is challenging.
• Politicians often find ways to circumvent the MCC, such as launching schemes just before elections and disbursing funds during the election period.
• The Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice recommended making the MCC legally binding in 2013, but the EC opposed it due to time constraints in judicial proceedings.
• Scrapping the MCC guidelines on financial grants and projects after election announcements could reduce arguments in favor of simultaneous elections.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Model Code of Conduct (MCC): A set of guidelines for political parties and candidates during elections to ensure free and fair elections.
• Election Commission of India (EC): Constitutional body responsible for conducting and overseeing elections in India.
• Representation of the People Act, 1951: Indian law that provides for the conduct of elections to the Houses of Parliament and the State Legislatures.