India’s Election Commission on Monday expressed “zero tolerance” for political parties using children in any campaign-related work or activities. Governing bodies issue instructions to political parties, candidates and electoral bodies.

“Political parties and candidates should avoid the use of children in political campaigns and rallies,” the EC said in a statement.

The central agency said this was a continuation of its earlier directive on declining levels of campaign rhetoric by political parties and candidates. The EC also asked for a “respectful discourse” towards persons with disabilities (PwDs).

The EC said children should not be used by political parties “in any form”, whether for distributing posters/pamphlets or participating in sloganeering, campaign rallies or election meetings.

What directive does the EC have on this matter?

1. Children prohibited from participating in election-related activities: All political parties have been “clearly instructed” not to involve children in any form of electoral work, campaigning or activities. Political leaders and candidates are also prohibited from holding or carrying children in rally vehicles during campaign events or rallies.
2. The ban also extends to the use of children in any other way in the guise of political campaigning, the EC said. These include “poems, songs, spoken word, display of party/candidate emblems, display of party ideology, promotion of party achievements or criticism of opposing candidates or their party”.
3. Political parties, candidates asked to ensure strict compliance with law The central agency has asked all political parties and candidates to ensure strict compliance with the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended by the Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2016.

The EC’s order also highlights the Bombay High Court’s order in a PIL case – Chetan Ramlal Bhutada v. State of Maharashtra & Others – which emphasized the need for political parties to ensure that no minor is allowed to participate in any election-related work.

exception

However, the Electoral Commission noted that as long as parents are present with their children in the vicinity of political leaders and are not involved in any election-related work, it will not be considered a breach of the code.

The central agency’s statement further stated that the District Election Officers and Returning Officers will be personally responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and acts regarding child labour.

“The electoral machinery violates these provisions

Jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action,” the statement added.