False statement in connection with an election
Full Text
175. 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.
Plain English Summary
Punishes the publishing of false statements regarding a candidate's personal character or conduct, intended to affect election outcomes, with a fine.
Key Legal Elements
- Making or publishing a statement of fact about a candidate's personal character or conduct
- The statement is false
- The accused knows or believes it to be false or does not believe it to be true
- Done with the intent to affect the result of the election
Punishment
Fine only
Practical Note
This section targets character assassination of political candidates during elections. Genuine criticism of public policies or political opinions does not constitute an offence.
हिंदी पाठ
175. निर्वाचन के संबंध में मिथ्या (झूठा) कथन।
जो कोई निर्वाचन के परिणाम पर प्रभाव डालने के आशय से किसी अभ्यर्थी के वैयक्तिक चरित्र या आचरण के संबंध में तथ्य का कोई ऐसा कथन करेगा या प्रकाशित करेगा, जो मिथ्या है और जिसके मिथ्या होने का उसे ज्ञान या विश्वास है अथवा जिसके सत्य होने का वह विश्वास नहीं करता, वह जुर्माने से दंडित किया जाएगा।