MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

Instructions to curb the misuse of free travel in the interest of free and fair elections.

Election Commission's letter No. 437/6/93 P.S. II, Dated: 31 December 1993, addressed to the (1) The Secretary to the Government of India Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism,
Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi (2) The Secretary, Railway Board, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
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Subject: General elections and bye-elections-special instruction to curb the misuse of free travel passes in the interest of free and fair elections.

I am directed to state that instances have come to the notice of the Commission during the recently concluded general elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and National Capital Territory of Delhi where the free passes issued by the Railways and the Government Airlines have been misused to travel to and from the States/constituencies/areas having the general elections. Issue of such passes enabled the holders to travel round the country free of cost and participate in election related activities and thus attempt to vitiate the holding of free and fair elections.

2. The Commission has decided that such activities should be stopped. Accordingly, the Commission has directed that in future no golden passes, free passes, confessional passes or any other types of passes be issued or allowed to be used for travel to and from the states/constituencies/area going to the polls during general elections/bye-elections. This ban will apply from the date of announcement of the general election/bye-election till the declaration of results.

3. No one shall be exempted from the ambit of the aforesaid ban. The only exception will be in the case of tour operators and travel agents.

4. Suitable instructions in the matter may be issued to all concerned for strict adherence during all future general elections/bye-elections. A copy of the instruction issued may be endorsed to the Commission.

5 Please acknowledge the receipt.



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