BNS 171 — Undue influence at elections.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023

Statutory text

171. (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.
Personation at elections.

Back to BNS