Library/BNS/Section 173
Section 173PopularBailablePenal

Punishment for bribery

Full Text

173. 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.

Plain English Summary

Prescribes punishment for electoral bribery (imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both) and mandates that bribery by treating (food, drinks) is punishable by fine only.

Key Legal Elements

  • Committing the offence of bribery
  • Standard bribery is punishable by up to 1 year of imprisonment, fine, or both
  • Bribery by treating is punishable by fine only
  • Treating involves gratification in the form of food, drink, entertainment, or provision

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 1 year, or fine, or both (Treating: fine only)

Practical Note

Bribery by "treating" (e.g., offering food/drinks/entertainment at campaigns) is specifically isolated as a lesser offence carrying only a monetary fine.

हिंदी पाठ

173. रिश्वत के लिए दंड।

जो कोई रिश्वत का अपराध करेगा, वह दोनों में से किसी भांति के कारावास से, जिसकी अवधि एक वर्ष तक की हो सकेगी, या जुर्माने से, या दोनों से, दंडित किया जाएगा:

परंतु आतिथ्य द्वारा रिश्वत केवल जुर्माने से दंडित की जाएगी।

स्पष्टीकरण।—"आतिथ्य" (ट्रीटिंग) से रिश्वत का वह रूप अभिप्रेत है जिसमें परितोषण खाद्य, पेय, मनोरंजन या रसद के रूप में हो।