Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 171
Undue influence at elections
In one line
BNS Section 171 deals with undue influence at elections and replaces IPC 171C.
Bare act text — BNS 171
171. Undue influence at elections.
(1) Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at an election.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), whoever— (a) threatens any candidate or voter, or any person in whom a candidate or voter is interested, with injury of any kind; or (b) induces or attempts to induce a candidate or voter to believe that he or any person in whom he is interested will become or will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure or of spiritual censure, shall be deemed to interfere with the free exercise of the electoral right of such candidate or voter, within the meaning of sub-section (1).
(3) A declaration of public policy or a promise of public action or the mere exercise or a legal right without intent to interfere with an electoral right, shall not be deemed to be interference within the meaning of this section.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 171 in the IPC?
BNS Section 171 (Undue influence at elections) replaces Section 171C of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 171C is now BNS 171.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 166 — Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman
- BNS 167 — Persons subject to certain Acts
- BNS 168 — Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman
- BNS 169 — Candidate, electoral right defined
- BNS 170 — Bribery
- BNS 172 — Personation at elections
- BNS 173 — Punishment for bribery
- BNS 174 — Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election
- BNS 175 — False statement in connection with an election
- BNS 176 — Illegal payments in connection with an election