Appealing to vote or refrain from voting on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language is a corrupt practice. This means a candidate cannot ask people to vote for them because they are Hindu, or ask Muslims not to vote for a rival. The aim is to prevent the communalization of politics and ensure that voters make choices based on secular considerations.

Bribery, which includes giving or promising any gratification to any person to induce them to vote or not to vote, or to a candidate for their election expenses, is a corrupt practice. This covers everything from cash handouts to offering jobs or favours in exchange for votes. It ensures that votes are not bought.

Hiring or procuring vehicles or aircraft for the free transport of voters to and from the polling station is prohibited. This prevents candidates from making it easier for their supporters to vote, thereby creating an uneven playing field. Voters should reach the polling booth through their own means.

The publication of false statements about the character of a candidate, intended to prejudice their prospects, is a corrupt practice. This is crucial for maintaining a level playing field and preventing character assassination through misinformation. For example, spreading a rumour that a candidate has a criminal conviction when they do not.

Using government machinery or officials for election campaigning is a corrupt practice. This prevents the misuse of public resources and ensures that elections are not influenced by the power of incumbency. For instance, a minister cannot use their official helicopter for party rallies.

Seeking votes by promising to create new posts or by promising to not withdraw any existing posts is a corrupt practice. This prevents politicians from making populist promises that are not based on sound policy or fiscal prudence, thereby influencing voters with unsustainable offers.

The Election Commission can declare a candidate guilty of a corrupt practice if they are found to have committed it. The penalty is severe: disqualification from contesting elections for a period of 3 to 6 years. This acts as a strong deterrent.

A candidate is also responsible for the corrupt practices committed by their election agent or any other person with their consent. This means candidates must ensure their campaign teams operate within the law, as they can be held accountable for their actions.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the primary body responsible for investigating allegations of corrupt practices. They can conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, and recommend action to the President or Governor, who then refers the matter to the High Court for adjudication.

What the examiner tests is the understanding of *why* these practices are considered corrupt. It's not just about memorizing the list, but understanding how each practice undermines the fairness, impartiality, and democratic spirit of elections. For Mains, expect questions on how to curb these practices or the role of ECI.

Appealing to vote on religious grounds is a major corrupt practice. For example, if a candidate asks voters to vote for 'Hindus' or 'Muslims', it's a clear violation. This is why the recent news about a Kerala candidate making a 'Hindu MLA' remark is being investigated – it potentially falls under this category.

The scale of expenditure is also regulated. While exceeding the campaign finance limits is an election expense violation, specific acts like bribing voters or using religious appeals are classified as 'corrupt practices' under Section 123 of the RPA, 1951, carrying more severe penalties like disqualification.

A candidate cannot seek votes by promising to create new government jobs or by promising not to abolish existing ones. This is to prevent politicians from making unsustainable promises to woo voters, ensuring that electoral promises are grounded in reality and policy, not just populist appeal.

Appealing to vote or refrain from voting on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language is a corrupt practice. This means a candidate cannot ask people to vote for them because they are Hindu, or ask Muslims not to vote for a rival. The aim is to prevent the communalization of politics and ensure that voters make choices based on secular considerations.

Bribery, which includes giving or promising any gratification to any person to induce them to vote or not to vote, or to a candidate for their election expenses, is a corrupt practice. This covers everything from cash handouts to offering jobs or favours in exchange for votes. It ensures that votes are not bought.

Hiring or procuring vehicles or aircraft for the free transport of voters to and from the polling station is prohibited. This prevents candidates from making it easier for their supporters to vote, thereby creating an uneven playing field. Voters should reach the polling booth through their own means.

The publication of false statements about the character of a candidate, intended to prejudice their prospects, is a corrupt practice. This is crucial for maintaining a level playing field and preventing character assassination through misinformation. For example, spreading a rumour that a candidate has a criminal conviction when they do not.

Using government machinery or officials for election campaigning is a corrupt practice. This prevents the misuse of public resources and ensures that elections are not influenced by the power of incumbency. For instance, a minister cannot use their official helicopter for party rallies.

Seeking votes by promising to create new posts or by promising to not withdraw any existing posts is a corrupt practice. This prevents politicians from making populist promises that are not based on sound policy or fiscal prudence, thereby influencing voters with unsustainable offers.

The Election Commission can declare a candidate guilty of a corrupt practice if they are found to have committed it. The penalty is severe: disqualification from contesting elections for a period of 3 to 6 years. This acts as a strong deterrent.

A candidate is also responsible for the corrupt practices committed by their election agent or any other person with their consent. This means candidates must ensure their campaign teams operate within the law, as they can be held accountable for their actions.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the primary body responsible for investigating allegations of corrupt practices. They can conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, and recommend action to the President or Governor, who then refers the matter to the High Court for adjudication.

What the examiner tests is the understanding of *why* these practices are considered corrupt. It's not just about memorizing the list, but understanding how each practice undermines the fairness, impartiality, and democratic spirit of elections. For Mains, expect questions on how to curb these practices or the role of ECI.

Appealing to vote on religious grounds is a major corrupt practice. For example, if a candidate asks voters to vote for 'Hindus' or 'Muslims', it's a clear violation. This is why the recent news about a Kerala candidate making a 'Hindu MLA' remark is being investigated – it potentially falls under this category.

The scale of expenditure is also regulated. While exceeding the campaign finance limits is an election expense violation, specific acts like bribing voters or using religious appeals are classified as 'corrupt practices' under Section 123 of the RPA, 1951, carrying more severe penalties like disqualification.

A candidate cannot seek votes by promising to create new government jobs or by promising not to abolish existing ones. This is to prevent politicians from making unsustainable promises to woo voters, ensuring that electoral promises are grounded in reality and policy, not just populist appeal.