Section 171 BNS: Undue Influence At Elections

Table of Contents

Section 171 BNS | BNS 171 | BNS Section 171

171(1) BNS

Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at an election.

171(2) BNS

Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), whoever—

threatens any candidate or voter, or any person in whom a candidate or voter is interested, with injury of any kind; or
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).

171(3) BNS

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.

READ OTHER SECTIONS OF CHAPTER IX — OF OFFENCES RELATING TO ELECTIONS

Section No.	Section Title
169	Candidate, electoral right defined.
170	Bribery.
171	Undue influence at elections.
172	Personation at elections.
173	Punishment for bribery.
174	Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election.
175	False statement in connection with an election.
176	Illegal payments in connection with an election.
177	Failure to keep election accounts.