Home / India / Election offences
Election offencesPossibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
§ 173 — punishment for bribery at an electionPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 1 year (fine only for bribery by treating)
- Fine
- Fine (amount not stated in section)
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
§ 174 — punishment for undue influence or personation at an electionPossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0 (no mandatory prison) – 1 year
- Fine
- Fine (amount not stated in section)
0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.
§ 176 — illegal payments in connection with an election (expenses without the candidate's written authority)Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment stated
- Fine
- Up to ₹10,000
Expenses up to ₹10 approved in writing within 10 days are deemed authorised.
§ 177 — failure to keep election accounts as required by law / rulePossibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment stated
- Fine
- Up to ₹5,000
Bribery by treating (gratification consisting of food, drink, entertainment or provision) is punishable by fine only under § 173.