The Chief Election Officer of Arunachal Pradesh has issued show-cause notices to members of the Arunachal Christian Forum and CMC-CEA for allegedly engaging in political activities that violate the Model Code of Conduct or MCC. These notices stem from a complaint alleging that members were openly urging voters to support Congress candidates, who belong to the Christian community.
The activities in question were evident from notifications circulated on March 26, and messages disseminated on social media platforms, urging support for Nabam Tuki in the Arunachal West Parliamentary Constituency and Bosiram Siram in the Arunachal East Parliamentary Constituency for the upcoming General Election of 2024.
However, the Chief Election Officer has cited the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, which prohibits religious institutions or their managers from utilising their premises for promoting or propagating any political activity.
The notices issued by the Election Officer are alleged to contravene this Act and the Election Commission of India’s Guidelines on Model Code of Conduct. Hence, recipients of the notices have been directed to provide a clarification or explain why they are conducting political propaganda under the guise of a religious institution or organisation. They are given a three-day deadline from the date of issuance of the notices to respond, failing which legal action will be taken against them as per the directives.
This action by the Chief Election Officer underscores the importance of upholding impartiality and fairness in the electoral process. It emphasises that political neutrality of religious institutions is crucial to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and parties contesting elections.
The enforcement of the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988, serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries within which religious organizations are expected to operate during election periods.
