IPC 171A→BNS 169

IPC 171A to BNS 169: “Candidate”, “Electoral right” defined

Section 171A IPC (1860) replaced by Section 169 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 171A →View BNS Section 169 →

IPC 171A to BNS 169 at a Glance

Section 171A IPC (“Candidate”, “Electoral right” defined) is now Section 169 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 171A to BNS 169?

Section 171A IPC is now Section 169 BNS. The heading is written in plain lower case as Candidate, electoral right defined, and the two definitions are word for word the same.

IPC 171A vs BNS 169: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section171A169
Offence“Candidate”, “Electoral right” definedSame
PunishmentNone of its own. This section only defines two expressions.Same
FineNone of its own. Any fine is set by the section that creates the offence.Same
BailNon-BailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame

IPC 171A and BNS 169: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 171A, IPC 1860

171A. “Candidate”, “Electoral right” defined.—For the purposes of this Chapter— (a) “candidate” means a person who has been nominated as a candidate at any election; (b) “electoral right” means the right of a person to stand, or not to stand as, or to withdraw from being, a candidate or to vote or refrain from voting at an election.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 169, BNS 2023

For the purposes of this Chapter— (a) “candidate” means a person who has been nominated as a candidate at any election; (b) “electoral right” means the right of a person to stand, or not to stand as, or to withdraw from being, a candidate or to vote or refrain from voting at an election.

Ingredients: IPC 171A vs BNS 169

Under IPC 171A
  1. The meanings apply for the purposes of this Chapter
  2. A candidate is a person who has been nominated as a candidate at any election
  3. An electoral right is the right of a person to stand, or not to stand as, or to withdraw from being, a candidate
  4. An electoral right is also the right of a person to vote or refrain from voting at an election
Under BNS 169
  1. The meanings of candidate and electoral right apply for the purposes of the Chapter on elections
  2. The section creates no offence

What IPC 171A to BNS 169 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 171A IPC (now Section 169 BNS): the two definitions are unchanged, so anything that turns on who is a candidate or what is an electoral right is read the same way under Section 169 BNS.

FAQs: IPC 171A to BNS 169

What changed when Section 171A IPC became Section 169 BNS?▼

Only the number and the style of the heading. Section 169 BNS repeats the two definitions of Section 171A IPC word for word.

Where does Section 171A IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 169 BNS, in Chapter IX, Of Offences Relating to Elections.

Does Section 171A IPC or Section 169 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 171A IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 171A IPC. Section 169 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·