IPC Section 171G — False statement in connection with an election

Summary

If a person makes or shares a false statement about a candidate’s personal character or conduct during an election, and they do so intending to influence the election result, they can be punished with a fine. This applies only if the person knows the statement is false, believes it is false, or does not believe it is true.

Official Text

Whoever with intent to affect the result of an election makes or publishes any statement purporting to be a statement of fact which is false and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, in relation to the personal character or conduct of any candidate shall be punished with fine.

Related Judgments

• both Was/Petitioner vs 1.The Chief Electoral Officer, — Madras High Court (2018)
• N. S. VARDACHARI v. G. VASANTHA PAI AND ANR. A — Supreme Court of India (1973)
• SMT. INDIRA NEHRU GANDHI v. SHRI RAJ NARAIN — Supreme Court of India (1976)
• KRISHNAMOORTHY v. SIVAKUMAR & ORS. 989 — Supreme Court of India (2015)
• SC (2001) Vol.3 p.750 — Supreme Court of India (2001)
• M/S BANDEKAR BROTHERS PVT. LTD. & ANR v. PRASAD VASSUDEV KENI, ETC. ETC — Supreme Court of India (2020)
• N.S. NANDIESHA REDDY v. KAVITHA MAHESH — Supreme Court of India (2021)
• S.C.R. 604 BABITA LILA & ANOTHER v. UNION OF INDIA — Supreme Court of India (2016)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

• BNS §175 — False statement in connection with an election