Section 171E IPC: Punishment for bribery

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 171E IPC at a Glance

Section 171E IPC deals with punishment for bribery. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 173 BNS.

Punishment

Imprisonment of either description for up to one year. Not available where the bribery is by treating.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ
BNS Equivalent

Section 173 →

Section 171E IPC Bare Act Text

171E. Punishment for bribery

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.

Source: Section 171E, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 171E IPC in Simple Words

Section 171E of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes the offence of bribery, which Section 171B IPC defines. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both.

Bribery by treating is punished with fine only. Treating is that form of bribery where the gratification consists in food, drink, entertainment or provision.

The offence is non-cognizable and bailable, and it is triable by a Magistrate of the first class.

Ingredients of Section 171E IPC

  • The accused commits the offence of bribery, as Section 171B IPC defines it
  • Where the gratification consists in food, drink, entertainment or provision, the bribery is bribery by treating and is punished with fine only

Punishment Under Section 171E IPC

Imprisonment

Imprisonment of either description for up to one year. Not available where the bribery is by treating.

Fine

Fine alone, or with imprisonment. Where the bribery is by treating, only a fine can be imposed. The section fixes no amount.

Bailable ⓘNon-Cognizable ⓘNon-Compoundable ⓘ🏛️ Magistrate of the first class ⓘ

Bribery carries imprisonment of up to one year, or fine, or both. Bribery by treating carries fine only.

Example of Section 171E IPC

During a municipal election in Jaipur in 2019, Vikram gave a wristwatch as gratification to an elector, Anand, to induce him to support Vikram, thereby committing the offence of bribery. In another ward of Jaipur, Vikram arranged a musical show and served cold drinks to electors as gratification to win their support, which was bribery by treating because the gratification consisted in entertainment and drink. For the wristwatch, Vikram faced imprisonment of up to one year, or fine, or both, while for the treating he faced fine only. Vikram is punishable under Section 171E IPC.

When Section 171E IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 171E IPC does not apply when the conduct does not amount to the offence of bribery as defined in Section 171B IPC.
  • Section 171E IPC does not apply where the election offence committed is undue influence or personation, which falls under Section 171F IPC.
  • The imprisonment clause of Section 171E IPC does not apply when the bribery consists only of treating through food, drink, entertainment, or provision, as the proviso restricts the punishment to a fine alone.

Section 171E IPC in the BNS

Section 171E IPC is now covered under Section 173 BNS.

Section 171E IPC is now Section 173 BNS, with the same title, the same words, the same proviso and the same Explanation, and the same punishment.

View detailed comparison (IPC 171E vs BNS 173) →

FAQs on Section 171E IPC

What does Section 171E IPC provide?▼

It provides the punishment for the offence of bribery, which Section 171B IPC defines.

What is the punishment under Section 171E IPC?▼

Imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both. For bribery by treating the punishment is fine only.

What is bribery by treating under Section 171E IPC?▼

It is that form of bribery where the gratification consists in food, drink, entertainment or provision. It is punished with fine only.

How does Section 171E IPC differ from Section 171B IPC?▼

Section 171B IPC defines bribery. Section 171E IPC sets the punishment for the offence of bribery.

Is an offence under Section 171E IPC cognizable and bailable?▼

It is non-cognizable and bailable.

Which court tries an offence under Section 171E IPC?▼

A Magistrate of the first class.

Can an offence under Section 171E IPC be compounded?▼

No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.

Where is Section 171E IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼

In Section 173 BNS.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·