Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Chapter IX: Of Offences Relating To Elections

Section 175 BNS: False statement in connection with an election

Corresponding IPC: Section 171G IPC
Punishment: Fine (no limit stated)

Classification of offence

Section	Cognizable?	Bailable?	Triable by
175	Non-cognizable	Bailable	Magistrate of the first class

As per the First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Bare Act text

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.

Text as enacted in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Act No. 45 of 2023), in force from 1 July 2024. Source: India Code, Government of India.

In simple words

Punishes publishing a false statement of fact about the personal character or conduct of a candidate, with intent to affect the election result, where the person knows or believes it false or does not believe it true.