IPC section 171C deals with undue influence at elections in India. It basically prohibits actions that could pressure voters or candidates into voting a certain way.

Main provision (Subsection 1): It says that whoever intentionally interferes with someone’s ability to freely exercise their electoral rights commits this offense. Electoral rights include voting and contesting elections.

Examples of undue influence (Subsection 2): The law gives specific examples of what counts as undue influence. These include:

Threats: Threatening a voter or candidate (or someone they care about) with harm.

Exploiting religious beliefs: Trying to convince a voter or candidate that voting a certain way will anger God or hurt their spiritual standing.

Important exceptions: It’s not undue influence if someone:

·         Makes a public statement about their political views.

·         Promises to take specific actions if elected (as long as it’s a legal promise).

·         Exercises their own legal rights without intending to affect someone’s vote.

 About IPC Section 186:

It deals with obstructing a public servant in their official duties. Here’s a breakdown of the section:

Offence: Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of their public functions.

Public Servant: This refers to anyone working in a government role with powers given by the state for public welfare. This can include police officers, firefighters, bureaucrats, etc.

Public Functions: These are lawful actions carried out by the public servant using their official authority.

Voluntarily Obstructs: This means intentionally interrupting or hindering the public servant from performing their duties. It’s important to note that unintentional obstruction wouldn’t be covered under this section.

The punishment for this offense can be imprisonment for up to 3 months, a fine of Rs500, or both.

About IPC Section 505(1):

It deals with statements conducing to public mischief. It states that whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report that:

(a) Intends to cause or is likely to cause any officer, soldier, sailor or airman in the Indian Armed Forces to mutiny or disregard their duties, or

(b) Intends to cause or is likely to cause fear or alarm to the public, or to any section of the public, inducing them to commit an offence against the State or public tranquility, or

(c) Intends to incite, or is likely to incite, any class or community of persons to commit any offence against any other class or community,shall be punished with imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.