Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
2. What is meant by the model code of conduct (MCC) during elections? Do you think that MCC needs to be included under the statue for its uniform and effective implementation? Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need to frame a law of model code of conduct.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining model code of conduct.
Body:
First, mention the various features of MCC and its evolution since 1960 – enumerate the 7 Parts of the Code, Public meetings by political parties, Processions by political parties, Poll day conduct etc.
Next, write about the need to bring the MCC under the statute by enacting a law – does not specify the type of punishment, EC’s arbitrariness and individual bias, failure to provide for decisions to be made within a certain time frame etc.
Next, write the reasons for not including MCC in the statute – Election Commission has opposed this, interpretation of laws by the courts will take a lot of time, keeping MCC open ended and organic etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to make MCC more robust and effective.
