IPC §171C → BNS §171
Undue influence at elections
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Comparison
171C. 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.
(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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 171C and BNS 171 carry the undue-influence-at-elections offence character-identically. IPC 171C's structure (offence definition + sub-clause (a) threats + sub-clause (b) Divine-displeasure + Explanation carve-out) is restated as BNS 171 sub-sections (1), (2)(a), (2)(b), (3). The 'mere exercise of a legal right without intent to interfere' carve-out is preserved.
Old position
IPC 171C is concerned with Undue influence at elections. Undue influence at elections
New position
BNS 171 preserves the framework with drafting modernisations as required by the new code. Topic: Undue influence at elections. Whoever voluntarily interferes or attempts to interfere with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at an election
IPC 171C and BNS 171 carry the undue-influence-at-elections offence character-identically. IPC 171C's structure (offence definition + sub-clause (a) threats + sub-clause (b) Divine-displeasure + Explanation carve-out) is restated as BNS 171 sub-sections (1), (2)(a), (2)(b), (3). The 'mere exercise...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
IPC 171C and BNS 171 carry the undue-influence-at-elections offence character-identically. IPC 171C's structure (offence definition + sub-clause (a) threats + sub-clause (b) Divine-displeasure + Explanation carve-out) is restated as BNS 171 sub-sections (1), (2)(a), (2)(b), (3). The 'mere exercise of a legal right without intent to interfere' carve-out is preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 171C continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 171 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 171 (Undue influence at elections). The relationship is classified as substantively_same — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §171C → BNS §171 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-12, https://newlaws.in/ipc/171C.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.