BNS Section 170
What is considered electoral bribery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?
Short answer
Any giving or receiving of gratification to influence or reward the exercise of an electoral right is bribery.
In detail
Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 defines electoral bribery. It makes it an offence to give any benefit, called a gratification, to another person with the aim of inducing that person or anyone else to exercise a voting right, or to reward someone for having exercised that right. The law also criminalises accepting such a gratification as a reward for voting or for trying to persuade others to vote. Even if the act is only an offer, an agreement, or an attempt to give or obtain the gratification, it is treated as giving or accepting a gratification. However, a mere declaration of public policy or a promise of public action does not fall under this offence. In short, any real or attempted exchange of benefit intended to sway electoral behaviour, whether given or taken, is punishable as bribery.
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People also ask
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Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.