False statement in connection with an election

What this section does

This section punishes the making or publishing of false statements of fact about the personal character or conduct of a candidate, where the maker knows or believes the statement to be false or does not believe it to be true, and the intent is to affect the election result.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

Fine only.

Triable by

Any Magistrate

Cognizable

No

Bailable

Yes

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused made or published a statement purporting to be a statement of fact
2. The statement was false and related to the personal character or conduct of a candidate
3. The accused knew or believed the statement to be false, or did not believe it to be true
4. The statement was made or published with intent to affect the result of an election

Derived from IPC s.171G.