UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — ‘Only voters allowed within 100 m of booths’

Q1. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is enforced by the Election Commission of India. From which one of the following does the Commission draw its power to issue and enforce the MCC?

  • A. A dedicated statute enacted by Parliament in 1960
  • B. Article 324 of the Constitution
  • C. The Representation of the People Act, 1951
  • D. Rule 130 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961

Q2. With reference to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in India, consider the following: 1. The MCC comes into force from the date on which the Commission announces the election schedule. 2. In its earliest form, the MCC was first introduced during a State Assembly election in Kerala in 1960. 3. The MCC has been given statutory force through a dedicated chapter of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 4. The MCC is binding only on the party in power and not on opposition parties. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The MCC comes into force from the date on which the Commission announces the election schedule.
  2. In its earliest form, the MCC was first introduced during a State Assembly election in Kerala in 1960.
  3. The MCC has been given statutory force through a dedicated chapter of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  4. The MCC is binding only on the party in power and not on opposition parties.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2 and 4

Q3. In the Election Commission's instructions, the term 'Polling Station Neighbourhood' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. The 100-metre perimeter around a polling station into which even the security personnel of a protected person are not permitted to enter
  • B. The entire electoral ward in which the polling station building is situated
  • C. The zone beyond 200 metres where a party may lawfully set up its election booth
  • D. The building and campus of the counting centre where votes are tallied

Q4. Under Section 130 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a person who canvasses for votes within 100 metres of a polling station on the day of poll is punishable with a fine which may extend to how much?

  • A. ₹250
  • B. ₹500
  • C. ₹1,000
  • D. ₹2,000

Q5. Which one of the following best describes a 'polling agent' in an Indian election?

  • A. A person appointed by a contesting candidate or his election agent to watch the poll proceedings inside a polling station on the candidate's behalf
  • B. A government officer appointed by the District Election Officer to preside over and manage a polling station
  • C. A Booth-Level Officer who verifies voters' documents outside the 100-metre perimeter
  • D. An observer deputed by the Election Commission to independently oversee the conduct of the poll

Q6. Consider the following statements distinguishing polling agents from other functionaries at a polling station: 1. A polling agent is appointed by the contesting candidate or his election agent, whereas a presiding officer is appointed by the District Election Officer. 2. A person under security cover, such as a sitting Member of Parliament or MLA, cannot be appointed as a candidate's polling or counting agent. 3. Unlike a presiding officer, a polling agent has the statutory power to admit or turn away voters at the polling station. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A polling agent is appointed by the contesting candidate or his election agent, whereas a presiding officer is appointed by the District Election Officer.
  2. A person under security cover, such as a sitting Member of Parliament or MLA, cannot be appointed as a candidate's polling or counting agent.
  3. Unlike a presiding officer, a polling agent has the statutory power to admit or turn away voters at the polling station.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. Among the following election-related offences, which one alone carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment under the Representation of the People Act, 1951?

  • A. Booth capturing
  • B. Canvassing for votes within 100 metres of a polling station on poll day
  • C. Breach of the secrecy of voting
  • D. An election official acting to further the prospects of a candidate

Q8. With reference to booth-related election offences under Indian law, consider the following: 1. Booth capturing committed by a person in the service of the Government is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year, extendable to three years. 2. Canvassing within 100 metres of a polling station on the day of poll is a cognizable offence. 3. Breach of the secrecy of voting is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both. 4. Booth capturing was made a distinct offence by inserting Section 135A through an amendment enacted in 1972. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Booth capturing committed by a person in the service of the Government is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year, extendable to three years.
  2. Canvassing within 100 metres of a polling station on the day of poll is a cognizable offence.
  3. Breach of the secrecy of voting is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.
  4. Booth capturing was made a distinct offence by inserting Section 135A through an amendment enacted in 1972.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q9. Under the Election Commission's 2026 arrangement for the West Bengal Assembly election, voters' documents were verified in layers around the booth. Which officials formed the outermost (first) layer, stationed just outside the 100-metre perimeter for the initial verification of documents?

  • A. Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) and other government staff
  • B. Central Armed Police Force personnel deployed for booth security
  • C. The presiding officer of each polling station
  • D. Micro-observers appointed directly by the Election Commission

Q10. Within the present multi-member Election Commission of India, which one of the following holds the position of Chairman of the Commission?

  • A. The Chief Election Commissioner
  • B. The senior-most Election Commissioner by age
  • C. The Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India
  • D. A Regional Commissioner appointed under Article 324