Section 171F IPC: Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election
Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 171F IPC at a Glance
Section 171F IPC deals with punishment for undue influence or personation at an election. It is bailable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 174 BNS.
Imprisonment of either description for up to one year.
Section 171F IPC Bare Act Text
171F. Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election
Whoever commits the offence of undue influence or personation at an election shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine, or with both.
Source: Section 171F, Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 171F IPC in Simple Words
Section 171F of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) fixes the punishment for the offence of undue influence or personation at an election. The punishment is imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both.
The offence is bailable and triable by a Magistrate of the first class. The Code of Criminal Procedure First Schedule gives undue influence at an election as non-cognizable and personation at an election as cognizable.
Ingredients of Section 171F IPC
- The accused committed the offence of undue influence at an election or the offence of personation at an election
Punishment Under Section 171F IPC
Imprisonment of either description for up to one year.
The offender may be punished with fine alone or with both imprisonment and fine.
Undue influence or personation at an election carries imprisonment for up to one year, or fine, or both.
Example of Section 171F IPC
When Section 171F IPC Does Not Apply
- Section 171F IPC does not apply when the conduct constitutes neither undue influence at an election under Section 171C IPC nor personation at an election under Section 171D IPC.
- Section 171F IPC does not apply if the misconduct takes place outside the context of an election.
- Section 171F IPC does not apply where the election offence is bribery, which is separately punishable under Section 171E IPC.
Section 171F IPC in the BNS
Section 171F IPC is now covered under Section 174 BNS.
Section 171F IPC is now Section 174 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.
View detailed comparison (IPC 171F vs BNS 174) →FAQs on Section 171F IPC
What does Section 171F IPC provide?▼
It fixes the punishment for the offence of undue influence or personation at an election.
What is the punishment under Section 171F IPC?▼
Imprisonment of either description for up to one year, or fine, or both.
Is an offence under Section 171F IPC bailable?▼
Yes. It is bailable.
Is an offence under Section 171F IPC cognizable?▼
Undue influence at an election is non-cognizable. Personation at an election is cognizable. The Code of Criminal Procedure First Schedule lists the two as separate offences under this section.
Which court tries an offence under Section 171F IPC?▼
A Magistrate of the first class.
Can an offence under Section 171F IPC be compounded?▼
No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.
Where is Section 171F IPC in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita?▼
In Section 174 BNS.
Have questions about Section 171F IPC?
Ask NyayGuru for a plain language explanation, punishment details, or how it applies to your situation.
Ask NyayGuru →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 ·