Section 175 of BNS : Section 175: False statement in connection with an election.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Ravi is a candidate running for the position of Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) in his constituency. During the election campaign, his opponent, Sunil, publishes a pamphlet claiming that Ravi was involved in a corruption scandal five years ago. Sunil knows that this statement is false, but he hopes that spreading this misinformation will damage Ravi's reputation and affect the election results. As a result, Ravi loses the election. Under Section 175 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Sunil can be punished with a fine for making a false statement with the intent to affect the election outcome.

Example 2:

Priya is contesting for the position of Mayor in her city. During a public rally, another candidate, Anil, announces that Priya has been convicted of a serious crime in the past. Anil has no evidence to support this claim and does not believe it to be true, but he makes the statement to tarnish Priya's image and gain an advantage in the election. Priya's reputation is harmed, and she loses votes as a result. According to Section 175 of The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Anil can be fined for making a false statement about Priya's personal character with the intent to influence the election results.