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

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 171G IPC at a Glance

Section 171G IPC deals with false statement in connection with an election. It is bailable and non-cognizable, triable by Magistrate of the first class; from 1 July 2024 it is replaced by Section 175 BNS.

Punishment

None. Section 171G IPC provides no imprisonment.

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

Section 175 →

Section 171G IPC Bare Act Text

171G. False statement in connection with an election

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.

Source: Section 171G, Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 171G IPC in Simple Words

Section 171G of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) punishes making or publishing a false statement of fact about the personal character or conduct of a candidate, with intent to affect the result of an election, when the person knows or believes the statement to be false or does not believe it to be true.

The punishment is fine.

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

Ingredients of Section 171G IPC

  • The accused made or published a statement purporting to be a statement of fact
  • The statement is false
  • The accused either knows or believes it to be false or does not believe it to be true
  • The statement is in relation to the personal character or conduct of a candidate
  • The accused made or published it with intent to affect the result of an election

Punishment Under Section 171G IPC

Imprisonment

None. Section 171G IPC provides no imprisonment.

Fine

Fine. The section fixes no amount.

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

A false statement in connection with an election is punishable with fine only.

Example of Section 171G IPC

In 2021, during a legislative election in Coimbatore, Harish published a notice in a city newspaper alleging as a fact that candidate Meenakshi had been convicted of smuggling sandalwood. The allegation was completely false, and Harish knew it to be false when he sent it for publication. The false statement concerned the personal character and conduct of Meenakshi as a candidate, and Harish published it with the intent to affect the result of the election by causing electors to reject her candidacy. Harish is punishable under Section 171G IPC.

When Section 171G IPC Does Not Apply

  • Section 171G IPC does not apply if the statement expresses only an opinion or political criticism rather than purporting to be a statement of fact.
  • Section 171G IPC does not apply when the statement is true, or when the maker believes it to be true and neither knows nor believes it to be false.
  • Section 171G IPC does not apply where the statement relates only to a candidate's public policy or party programme and not to the candidate's personal character or conduct.
  • Section 171G IPC does not apply if the statement was made or published without any intent to affect the result of an election.

Section 171G IPC in the BNS

Section 171G IPC is now covered under Section 175 BNS.

Section 171G IPC is now Section 175 BNS, with the same title, the same words and the same punishment.

View detailed comparison (IPC 171G vs BNS 175) →

FAQs on Section 171G IPC

What does Section 171G IPC provide?▼

It punishes making or publishing a false statement of fact about the personal character or conduct of a candidate, with intent to affect the result of an election.

What is the punishment under Section 171G IPC?▼

Fine. The section provides no imprisonment and fixes no amount.

What mental state does Section 171G IPC require?▼

The person either knows or believes the statement to be false or does not believe it to be true, and acts with intent to affect the result of an election.

What kind of statement does Section 171G IPC cover?▼

A statement purporting to be a statement of fact, which is false, in relation to the personal character or conduct of any candidate.

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

It is non-cognizable and bailable.

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

A Magistrate of the first class.

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

No. It is not listed in Section 320 CrPC.

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

In Section 175 BNS.

Have questions about Section 171G 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 ·