IPC Section 171C - Undue influence at elections

171C. Undue influence at elections. (1) Whoever volunta rily interferes or attempts to interfere

with the free exercise of any electoral right commits the offence of undue influence at an election.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), whoever--

(a) threatens any candidate or voter, or any person in whom a candidate or voter is interest ed,

with injury of any kind, or

(b) induces or attempts to induce a candidate or voter to believe that he or any person in whom he

is interested will become or will be rendered an object of Divine displeasure or of spiritual censure,

shall be deemed to interfere with the free exercise of the electoral right of such candidate or voter, within

the meaning of sub-section (1).

(3) A declaration of public policy or a promise of public action or the mere exercise or a legal right

without intent to interfere with an electoral right, shall not be deemed to be interference with in the

meaning of this section.