DAKSH Podcast Maed in India

In this episode, the second in our series on elections, Leah Verghese discusses the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct. Learn about what role the Model Code of Conduct plays in the conduct of free and fair elections, the effectiveness of the code and the challenges it faces in an ever-evolving political landscape.

Editor’s note: This episode was recorded on the 2nd of April 2024, in the lead up to the general elections. 

 If you like our podcast, do consider supporting us with a donation at the link below: https://www.dakshindia.org/donate/

References


    Expecting Model Code of Conduct to kick in, government departments speedrun project approvals https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/expecting-model-code-of-conduct-to-kick-in-government-departments-speedrun-project-approvals/articleshow/108538728.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Lok Sabha elections 2019: ₹3000 crore haul by Election Commission, highest in Lok Sabha polls https://www.hindustantimes.com/lok-sabha-elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019-rs-3000-crore-haul-by-election-commission-highest-in-lok-sabha-polls/story-ugdYhuN5l2MNS2ppYRGWlI.html
Lok Sabha polls cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore after massive cash haul https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/lok-sabha-polls-cancelled-in-vellore-after-massive-cash-haul-1503419-2019-04-16
Mamata Banerjee's appeal to Muslims violated model code of conduct, says Election Commission https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly-election/mamata-banerjee-s-appeal-to-muslims-violated-model-code-of-conduct-says-ec-101617803773352.html
 Model Code of Conduct for the Guidance of Political Parties and Candidates https://tmp.eci.gov.in/mcc

CREDITS:

Host: Leah Verghese

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Sean D’mello 

Sound Design & Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

Research Assistance: Manushree Sarkar

In this episode, the first in our series on elections, Leah Verghese discusses the Election Commission, the institution that oversees the mammoth task of elections in the world’s largest democracy. Learn more about this significant public institution, its origin, evolution, and the important personalities who shaped its trajectory.If you like our podcast, do consider supporting us with a donation at the link below: https://www.dakshindia.org/donate/References


About Election Commission of India https://www.eci.gov.in/about-eci
An Expert Explains: How EC evolved, what rules it follows in case of disagreement https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/an-expert-explains-how-election-commission-evolved-what-rules-it-follows-in-case-of-disagreement-5720029/
Anoop Baranwal vs. Union of India WP (CIVIL) NO.104 OF 2015
Appointment of CEC, EC | Supreme Court refuses to stay new law; issues notice for hearing in April https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/appointment-of-cec-ec-supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-new-law-issues-notice-for-hearing-in-april/article67733389.ece
Manjari Katju, Election Commission and Changing Contours of Politics Economic and Political Weekly Vol. 44, No. 16 (Apr. 18 - 24, 2009)
Manjari Katju, Election Commission and Functioning of Democracy Economic and Political Weekly , Apr. 29 - May 5, 2006, Vol. 41, No. 17 (Apr. 29 - May 5, 2006)
R. P. Bhalla, Electoral Mechanism in India (1951-1971) The Indian Journal of Political Science Vol. 33, No. 1 (JAN-MAR, 1972)
S.S. Dhanoa vs. Union of India (1991) 3 SCC 567
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term Of Office) Act, 2023

CREDITS:Host: Leah Verghese

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Sean D’mello 

Sound Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

Research Assistance: Manushree Sarkar

This episode is a collaboration with Grand Tamasha, an excellent podcast on the latest developments in Indian politics, economics, foreign policy, society, and culture. Milan Vaishnav, the host of Grand Tamasha, joins us for this bonus episode. On 15 February 2024, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous landmark verdict, struck down the controversial electoral bonds scheme. Given that general elections are just around the corner, Milan discussed how this judgment will impact the financing of political parties in the largest democracy in the world. If you like our podcast, do consider supporting us with a donation at the link below: https://www.dakshindia.org/donate/


The DAKSH Podcast https://www.dakshindia.org/the-daksh-podcast/
Ajoy Sinha Karpuram, Why did the Supreme Court strike down the Electoral Bonds Scheme? https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/supreme-court-electoral-bonds-verdict-9163729/
Arun Jaitley, Why Electoral Bonds are Necessary https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=175452
Association for Democratic Reforms & Anr.  Writ Petition (C) No. 880 of 2017 https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2017/27935/27935_2017_1_1501_50573_Judgement_15-Feb-2024.pdf
Part 1: Behind the BJP’s rise and rise, bonds, trusts and raids on corporates https://www.newslaundry.com/2024/02/20/behind-the-bjps-rise-and-rise-bonds-trusts-and-raids-on-corporates
DAKSH Podcast, Crime and Politics (Milan Vaishnav) https:www.dakshindia.org/crime-and-politics/
Milan Vaishnav, On electoral bonds, a short-lived celebration https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/on-electoral-bonds-a-short-lived-celebration-101708170676086.html
Press Release: Introduction of the Scheme of Electoral Bond https://www.dea.gov.in/sites/default/files/Electoral%20Bonds_Press%20RELEASE_2-1-2018.pdf

Technological interventions have the ability to enhance access and improve the efficiency of the various processes in the justice system. In this episode, we will discuss how technology can improve the justice system and how we should monitor that improvement.


If you like our podcast do consider supporting us with a donation at the link below: https://www.dakshindia.org/donate/


CREDITS:

Host: Sandhya PR

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Nikkethana K

Sound Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

 

Our legal system is based on the fundamental principle of open courts. Courts must be “open”, physically and metaphorically, to the public. We, as citizens, should know and understand what courts do for us. In this episode we explore what this principle means and ponder on how it can be used to promote transparency in the court system, right from entering courtrooms as ordinary citizens to considering the live-streaming of court proceedings.


If you like our podcast do consider supporting us with a donation at the link below: https://www.dakshindia.org/donate/


Host: Anindita Pattanayak

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Nikkethana K

Sound Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome

The role of the state in reforming religious and social practices is a subject of heated debate in India. This is especially so when such reforms involve claims of women. A recent example is the debate around marital rape. In this episode we go back more than 130 years and examine the reactions to the British government  increasing the age of consent for women from 10 to 12 years and how these led to India’s first sedition trial.

Research Assistance: Jiyon Chatterjee 

If you like our podcast do consider supporting us with a donation at the link below: https://www.dakshindia.org/donate/


Reading list


Chitranshul Sinha, The Great Repression India, Viking 2019
IshitaPande, "Phulmoni's body: the autopsy, the inquest and the humanitarian narrative on child rape in India." South Asian History and Culture 4.1 (2013): 9-30.
Queen-Empress vs Hurree Mohun Mythee (1891) ILR 18 Cal 49 https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1410526/


Host: Leah Verghese

This is a Maed in India production.

Producer: Nikkethana K

Sound Mixing: Lakshman Parsuram

Project Supervisor: Shaun Fanthome