BBanaka

BNS Section 173: Punishment for bribery

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter 9: Of Offences Relating to Elections

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173. 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.

Study: explanations and related material

Replaces IPC 171E. IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28)

Punishment, bail and trial

173Bribery.

Punishment
Imprisonment for 1 year or fine, or both, or if treating only, fine only.
Cognizable or not
Non‑cognizable
Bailable or not
Bailable
Triable by
Magistrate of the first class

Source: BNSS First Schedule, Gazette of India, 25 December 2023, p. 169. The Schedule gives the substance of the section, not its full definition, and a State may have amended the classification for its territory. See it in the full First Schedule

Official reference: Ministry of Home Affairs: Gazette text, 25 December 2023 — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-07-01.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately.

This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.

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