IPC 171E → BNS 173: Punishment for Bribery

Quick Summary: IPC 171E vs BNS 173

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 171E (Punishment for Bribery) belongs to the IPC's offences relating to public servants and lawful authority — conduct by or against public servants, election offences and contempt of official authority. The corruption-type provisions sit alongside the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the BNS renumbers the residual offence covering punishment for bribery as BNS 173.

What did IPC 171E cover?

IPC 171E dealt with punishment for bribery — punishment for bribery at elections. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 173: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to punishment for bribery are filed under BNS Section 173, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 173

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: For punishment for bribery, check whether the conduct is prosecuted under BNS 173 or a special statute, and whether prior sanction is required.
• Police officers: Identify the precise duty obstructed or benefit obtained in the punishment for bribery matter and cite BNS 173 in the new FIR.
• Law students & citizens: Giving or taking illegal gratification, impersonating an official, or obstructing public duty — the kind of conduct behind punishment for bribery — all fall in this group.