Whoever being required by any law for the time being in force or any rule having the force of law to keep accounts of expenses incurred at or in connection with an election fails to keep such accounts shall be punished with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
Simplified Explanation
Section 171I of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertains to the offence of failure to keep election accounts. This section is crucial for maintaining the transparency and accountability of electoral finances by requiring candidates and their agents to record and report all election-related expenditures accurately. Here are the key elements of this section:
- Election Accounts: This section mandates that every candidate at an election must keep a separate and accurate account of all expenditures incurred or authorized in connection with the election. This is essential to prevent undisclosed spending that could influence the electoral process.
- Scope: This section focuses on ensuring that all financial transactions related to the election are transparently recorded and available for scrutiny to prevent corruption and the undue influence of money in elections.
Is IPC Section 171I Bailable?
IPC Section 171I is a bailable offence. Individuals accused under this section generally have the right to be released on bail.
IPC Section 171I Punishment
IPC Section 171I specifies monetary penalties but does not include imprisonment. The punishment for offences under this section consists of a fine.
Example of IPC Section 171I
A real-life example of IPC Section 171I occurred during a national election when a candidate was found to have significantly under-reported expenditures on campaign advertising and rallies. The discrepancy was discovered during a routine audit of election expenses. The candidate was charged under Section 171I for failing to keep accurate accounts of election expenditures, leading to legal proceedings and a fine imposed for this failure to comply with the transparency requirements of election finances.
