The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections. It is a concept that aims to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections by providing a level playing field and preventing the misuse of official machinery by the ruling party. The MCC's origin dates back to the Assembly elections of Kerala in 1960, where the state administration drafted a 'Code of Conduct' for political actors. The ECI circulated this code to all recognized political parties and state governments for the 1962 Lok Sabha elections, marking its national debut. The MCC helps the ECI fulfill its constitutional mandate under Article 324 to supervise and conduct free and fair elections.
The MCC comes into force immediately upon the ECI's announcement of the election schedule and remains in effect until the electoral process is concluded. It is not a statutory document, but its provisions are indirectly enforceable by the ECI. The guidelines are structured into sections covering general conduct, meetings, processions, and the party in power. Key provisions include prohibiting appeals to caste or communal feelings for votes and banning criticism of a candidate's private life. Furthermore, the party in power is restricted from announcing new financial grants, projects, or schemes, or using government resources like official vehicles for campaigning once the MCC is in effect. The MCC connects to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Indian Penal Code, as several of its provisions have enabling laws within these statutes.
A significant change occurred with the addition of guidelines for Election Manifestos in 2013-2014, following a Supreme Court judgment. The ECI also uses modern mechanisms like the cVIGIL app and the 1950 helpline to allow citizens to report violations directly, ensuring swift enforcement. The core objective of maintaining a fair and orderly election process has stayed the same since its inception.