IPC 171 vs BNS 171
● Retained in BNSOffence of receiving gratification for official act
Section 171 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with the offence of a public servant receiving or agreeing to receive gratification in return for performing an official act. This section targets bribery and corruption in public administration.
Key points of IPC 171:
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Applies when a public servant accepts or agrees to accept any gift, money, or favor to influence official action.
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Covers both monetary and non-monetary gratification.
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Punishment: imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
For example, if a municipal officer accepts money to approve building plans unlawfully, it falls under IPC 171.
This section ensures integrity in public service, deterring officials from engaging in corrupt practices that compromise lawful administration.
Offence of receiving gratification for official act
Section 171 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 171. It penalizes public servants who receive or agree to receive gratification for performing or refraining from official duties.
Key points of BNS 171:
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Covers both actual receipt and agreement to receive gratification.
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Punishment: up to 2 years imprisonment, or fine, or both.
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Ensures accountability of public officials and reduces corruption risks.
For instance, a police officer accepting a bribe to overlook a complaint or expedite a process is prosecutable under BNS 171.
This provision strengthens anti-corruption measures, ensuring that public servants perform duties honestly and lawfully.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 171 to BNS BNS 171.