Section 174 of BNS : Section 174: Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi is a local politician running for office in his constituency. During the election campaign, he threatens voters in his area, telling them that if they do not vote for him, he will ensure that their businesses are shut down. This act of threatening voters to influence their choice is considered undue influence. Under Section 174 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Ravi can be punished with imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.

Example 2:

Sita, a supporter of a particular candidate, decides to cast a vote in place of her elderly neighbor who is unable to go to the polling station. She uses her neighbor's voter ID card and pretends to be her neighbor to cast the vote. This act of pretending to be someone else to vote is known as personation. Under Section 174 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Sita can be punished with imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both.