BNS Section 173 — Punishment for bribery

CHAPTER IX OF OFFENCES RELATING TO ELECTIONS

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both”

Summary

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.

Official 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.

Related Judgments

  • IMRAN PRATAPGADHI vs STATE OF GUJARAT AND ANR — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • SUJAL VISHWAS ATTAVAR & ANR. vs THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2026)
  • The Hon’ble Justice Jay Sengupta; C.R.R. 1510 of 2025; Arjun Singh vs State of West Bengal and Others., With, WPA 7369 of 2025, Arjun Singh — Calcutta High Court (Kolkata Principal Seat) (2025)

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