Lok Sabha Election Code of Conduct: What’s change from today 3pm?

The schedule of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be published today (Saturday). Along with this, the date of assembly elections of some states will also be announced. The states that will hold assembly elections include Odisha, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

The Model Code of Conduct will come into effect across the country only after the dates are announced. The Election Commission has framed some rules to conduct free and fair elections in the country. These rules are called Code of Conduct. Political parties are required to follow these rules during Lok Sabha or Assembly elections.

The code of conduct lays down what political parties and candidates should and should not do during elections. Under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, the Election Commission instructs political parties to follow a code of conduct for peaceful elections.

The Code of Conduct was first introduced in the 1960 Kerala Assembly elections. During the 1962 Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission had informed the political parties about these rules for the first time. The Code of Conduct system came into force with the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of 1967.

Also Read: Karnataka Congress Candidates Final List: Padmaraj DK, Jayaprakash Hegde Udupi

After the coming into force of the Code, the employees of the State and Central Governments shall work as employees of the Election Commission and not employees of the Government until the election process is completed. The code of conduct will be repealed after the election.

What are the restrictions for ministers and legislators?

Ministers cannot hold election rallies at government expense. During this period ministers can only use government vehicles to go from their residence to office. They should not be used for election rallies and tours.

Code of conduct rules are as follows:

After the Code of Conduct is enacted, government funds cannot be used to benefit any political party under any circumstances. All kinds of programs like government announcements, inaugurations, foundation laying etc. will not be organised. But some work can be continued if it has already started. A temple, mosque, church, or any religious place cannot be used for election campaigning.

Also Read: Sexual Assault Case: Former CM BS Yediyurappa First Reaction

Under the Code of Conduct, the government cannot transfer or post any government officer or employee. If the transfer is very important then permission from the Election Commission is required.

It is necessary to obtain written permission from the local police authorities before organizing a meeting, marching and using loudspeakers in a public or private place. Loudspeakers shall not be used between 10.00 pm and 6.00 am.

What happens if the code of conduct is violated?

Any political party or its candidate who violates the Code of Conduct may be barred from campaigning. A candidate may be barred from contesting an election. Not only this, if necessary, a criminal case may also be registered against the candidate and he may be jailed.

How is the Code of Conduct applicable to common people?

A code of conduct is not limited to political parties or candidates. This also applies to commoners. That is, if anyone is involved in promoting their leaders, they have to follow these rules. If any politician asks you to do certain things ignoring the above mentioned rules, you can refuse by telling them about the rules and regulations of the code of conduct. Action can be taken if someone is caught propagating.