Effect of violation of MCC

Last updated on Jun 15, 2022

There are certain effects of violation of MCC. If a person violates the MCC rules, they cannot be punished, except in certain cases where the MCC violation is also a crime under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Representation of the People Act, 1951. For the violation of those crimes, one might even go to jail. As for violations of MCC alone, a warning will be issued , but if the person repeat them, the complaint will be forwarded to the election authorities who will take necessary actions, which might even be removal of their candidature. The most important role the Election Commission plays during the period MCC is in force, is the immediate actions it takes in stopping violations of MCC.1

Some examples are:

  • The Election Commission can stop government advertisements endorsing the ruling party.
  • Stop the ruling party from using their political influence and endorsing their agenda through television or cinema.
  • Stop a candidate or a party from indulging in any activity which may create mutual hatred or cause tension between castes and communities.2
  • The District Election Officers can order an FIR against a person for making remarks which can lead communal tension.
  1. State of Karnataka v. Common Cause and Ors., etc., (2016) 13 SCC 639.[]
  2. Chapter 12, Manual on Model Code of Conduct, https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9375-manual-on-model-code-of-conduct/[]

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a question you want to ask our legal experts?

Related Resources

Print Media and MCC

All print media including newspapers have to follow the rules under the MCC.

Unfair Election Practices by Candidates

There are many practices during an election campaign that candidates are not supposed to do, which count as unfair election practices by the candidates.

Use of Religion as a Basis for Campaigning

A party or candidate cannot campaign in any manner which would result in creating tension or hatred between different castes and religious communities.

Ban on Use of Official Vehicles during Campaigning

The use of any official vehicles for campaigning or election-related travel from the date of announcement of elections till the completion of elections is not allowed.

Use of Defence Forces for Campaigning

Political parties or candidates cannot use defence forces for campaigning purposes. They cannot use the photographs of any defence forces or army staff during their campaign.

What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

The MCC are rules and regulations for the actions of the political parties, candidates, people supporting them, civil servants during election time and anybody else who is associated with elections.