The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) took effect in Tamil Nadu on the evening of March 15, after the Assembly election schedule was announced. The MCC is a set of Election Commission guidelines for parties and candidates, rooted in the Commission's supervisory powers under Article 324. It binds candidates, parties and both State and Union governments. The ruling party cannot sanction new projects or announce grants, and no campaigning is allowed within 100 metres of a polling station. The code originated in Kerala's 1960 Assembly polls, was circulated nationally in 1962 and gained manifesto guidelines in 2013 after a Supreme Court direction. It is not legally enforceable by itself.