Question

During the election to a State Assembly in India, the Model Code of Conduct is

• A. a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India
• B. a set of guidelines issued by the Governor of the State
• C. a set of guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India
• D. a set of guidelines issued by the President of India

Hint:

Remember that the Model Code of Conduct comes into force the instant the Election Commission of India announces the election dates, not on the day of filing nominations.
This is a common point of confusion in competitive exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question is based on the topic of Indian Polity and Electoral Reforms.
It tests the candidate's knowledge regarding the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the authority that issues it during elections.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of operational guidelines.
These guidelines govern the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections.
The main objective is to ensure free, fair, and transparent democratic elections.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a consensus-based set of guidelines.

• It is issued exclusively by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

• The ECI is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.

• The MCC comes into force immediately upon the announcement of the election schedule.

• It remains in effect until the completion of the entire election process.

• The MCC regulates speeches, polling day procedures, election manifestos, and government announcements.

• It aims to prevent the ruling party from utilizing state machinery to gain an unfair electoral advantage.

• Although the MCC does not possess statutory backing, its violations are strictly monitored by the ECI.

• The ECI can issue warnings, censure candidates, or file police complaints under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The Model Code of Conduct is issued by the Election Commission of India, which corresponds to Option (A).