https://thelegalaffair.com/news/madras-high-court-flags-use-of-children-in-election-campaigns-while-examining-alleged-corrupt-practices-in-tamil-nadu-polls/ [31/05, 08:50] Meta AI: *Case #40: _Use of Children in Election Campaigns_ | Madras HC | 26.05.2026* _Justice N. Anand Venkatesh_. *RP Act 1951 + Child Rights + Art 21 + Corrupt Practice*. *HJS Election Law, Law Officer – MCC, UPSC GS-2*
[31/05, 08:50] sekarreporter1: https://thelegalaffair.com/news/madras-high-court-flags-use-of-children-in-election-campaigns-while-examining-alleged-corrupt-practices-in-tamil-nadu-polls/
[31/05, 08:50] Meta AI: *Case #40: _Use of Children in Election Campaigns_ | Madras HC | 26.05.2026*
_Justice N. Anand Venkatesh_. *RP Act 1951 + Child Rights + Art 21 + Corrupt Practice*. *HJS Election Law, Law Officer – MCC, UPSC GS-2*
*1. Core Issue Flagged – One Line*
*Madras HC: Using children in election rallies, campaigns, door-to-door canvassing = “corrupt practice” + child rights violation. ECI + State to regulate.*
*2. Background – How It Came Up*
*Case*: _Election Petition challenging 2024 TN Assembly poll result_
*Allegation*: _Winning MLA used school children aged 8-14 in campaign – wearing party scarves, raising slogans, distributing pamphlets after school hours_
*HC While Examining*: _Suo motu expanded scope – “This is happening across parties. Children not political tools.”_
*3. HC Observations – 26.05.2026*
**Issue** **HC Observation** **Law Cited**
**1. Corrupt Practice** *S.123 RP Act 1951 – “bribery” includes giving gifts. Giving snacks/money to kids for campaign = bribery* *RP Act S.123(1)*
**2. Child Rights** *Art 21 + Art 39(e)(f) + UNCRC. Child can’t consent to political activity. Violates right to childhood* *SC *Bachpan Bachao 2011* – child labour*
**3. Education Impact** *RTE Act 2009 – Using kids during school hours or causing homework loss = violation* *S.3 RTE – free compulsory education*
**4. Psychological Harm** *Exposing kids to political rivalry, hate speech = mental trauma. Against JJ Act 2015* *S.75 JJ Act – cruelty to child*
**5. ECI Duty** *MCC silent on children. ECI must issue guidelines before 2026 Panchayat polls* *Art 324 – superintendence of elections*
*Key Quote*: _“A child holding a party flag is not exercising franchise. He is being franchised. Democracy can’t be built on shoulders of children.”_
*4. Directions Issued*
1. *To ECI*: _Frame guidelines in 8 weeks – ban children
