Q. With reference to the Model Code of Conduct, consider the following statements:

1. MCC is operational until the last day of polling.
2. These were first introduced in Kerala in 1962.
3. Supreme Court of India has directed the Election Commission of India to include manifestos within the purview of MCC.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: Only 2 & 3
Notes: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, effective from the announcement of the election schedule until results are declared. Originating from the 1960 Kerala Assembly elections, the MCC was first issued to recognized political parties and state governments during the 1962 Lok Sabha elections. In 1979, a section was added to prevent the ruling party from gaining an unfair advantage. Post-1991, the Election Commission enforced the MCC more rigorously, including postponing elections for violations. In 2013, the Supreme Court mandated the inclusion of guidelines for election manifestos in the MCC.