In a stern move to uphold the integrity of the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Department has taken decisive action against violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Since the imposition of the MCC following the announcement of General Elections to the Legislative Assembly, nine FIRs have been registered, five government employees suspended, and warnings issued in 23 cases, with inquiries initiated in 48 more cases.
According to a statement from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of J&K, a total of 175 MCC violations have been reported across the Union Territory since the MCC came into effect on August 16, 2024. These violations include 96 reports against political parties and candidates, 53 against government employees, two against media persons, and 24 against others.
The concerned FSTS/SSTs and officers, after thorough investigations, determined that 89 of these violations were baseless and dropped them. However, the authorities have acted firmly in other cases, suspending five government employees in Srinagar for engaging in political activities and launching further inquiries against them.
In addition to the suspensions, warnings have been issued in 23 cases to caution the violators against future misconduct. Serious violations have led to the registration of nine FIRs, and inquiries are ongoing in 48 other cases.
The MCC, a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, is designed to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process. It comes into force as soon as the election schedule is announced and remains active until the completion of the election process.
