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BNS, 2023
Start Practicing
BNSChapter IXSection 173
Section173

Punishment for bribery

AI Assist

Summary

Bribery is punishable with imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine, or both. If the gratification is only food, drink, entertainment, or similar provision (treating), punishment is a fine only. The offence applies when someone gives or accepts such gratification to influence an official or a transaction.

Example

Ravi offers cash to a municipal official to speed up a licence. He may be punished with up to one year imprisonment, or a fine, or both. If instead he had only treated the official to a meal and drinks (treating), the punishment would be a fine only.

Bare Act

Enacted text

Whoever commits the offence of bribery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both;

Provided that bribery by treating shall be punished with fine only.

Explanation

“Treating” means that form of bribery where the gratification consists in food, drink, entertainment, or provision.

BNSS Classification

  • Imprisonment for 1 year or fine, or both, or if treating only, fine only.
  • Non-cognizable
  • Bailable
  • Triable by Magistrate of the first class.
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IX

Chapter IX

Of Offences Relating To Elections

In this chapter

  • 169Candidate, electoral right defined
  • 170Bribery
  • 171Undue influence at elections
  • 172Personation at elections
  • 173Punishment for bribery
  • 174Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election
  • 175False statement in connection with an election
  • 176Illegal payments in connection with an election
  • 177Failure to keep election accounts
Previous · Section 172Personation at electionsNext · Section 174Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election