Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 171F → BNS 174: Punishment for Influence

IPC Section 171F (Punishment for Influence) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 174 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

171F

Punishment for Influence

Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election

New Law — BNS 2023

174

Punishment for Influence

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 1 year

Key Change / Note

No major change

Facing a case under BNS 174?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 174.

Quick Summary: IPC 171F vs BNS 174

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 171F (Punishment for Influence) is now mapped to BNS Section 174.

What did IPC 171F cover?

IPC 171F dealt with punishment for influence — punishment for undue influence or personation at an election. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 174: What changed in the new law?

No major change. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to punishment for influence are filed under BNS Section 174. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 174

Same - Up to 1 year

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 174 instead of IPC 171F.
Police officers: Use BNS 174 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 171F ↔ BNS 174 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 171F?

IPC Section 171F (Punishment for Influence) is now covered under Section 174 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 174?

Same - Up to 1 year

What is the key difference between IPC 171F and BNS 174?

No major change

Is IPC 171F still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.