The Election Commission of India is evaluating new guidelines to prevent political parties from using children in election campaigns. This follows a legal petition alleging improper campaign practices and vote-buying during recent Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The ECI has also reported seizing ₹599.24 crore in cash and assets to combat electoral bribery in the state.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Madras High Court that it is actively reviewing guidelines to strictly prohibit the involvement of children in election campaign activities. This development follows a petition filed in the court which raised concerns over the tactics used by political parties during the recent Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The petition specifically alleged that certain political entities utilized children in campaign efforts to indirectly influence parental voting patterns through social media.
ECI Position on Campaign Rules
In its response to the court, the ECI maintained that its existing regulations already restrict the use of children for political purposes. The commission referenced its February 5, 2024, press release which clarifies that children are not to be employed for any election-related activities by political parties or candidates. While addressing the specific allegations brought by the petitioner, the ECI argued that the petition lacked detailed evidence of children being directly involved in campaign work. Furthermore, the commission emphasized that the democratic process relies on the independent judgment of adult voters, making the argument of indirect pressure on voting behavior difficult to establish under current electoral laws.
Monitoring Electoral Bribery
Beyond the allegations concerning the use of children, the petition also highlighted concerns regarding illegal money distribution during the election period. The ECI defended its monitoring framework, detailing the use of specialized teams including flying squads, static surveillance teams, and video surveillance units. The commission confirmed that through its Election Seizure Management System, it successfully intercepted and seized assets and cash totaling ₹599.24 crore in Tamil Nadu up to April 22. The ECI reiterated that electoral bribery and undue influence are serious offenses under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and that any proven instance is subject to legal action under current frameworks such as the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
As the matter remains before the Madras High Court, investors and legal observers will track whether the ECI introduces formal amendments to its Model Code of Conduct regarding the participation of minors in political events. Future updates will focus on any specific directives the court may issue regarding the maintainability of the petition and whether new regulatory measures are enforced to address these campaign strategy concerns.