4.7. Corrupt practices and Electoral Offences

Corrupt Practices: Section 123 of RPA, 1951 defines the corrupt practices like bribery, undue influence, inciting religious sentiments, booth capturing etc.

1. Bribery i.e. any form of gratification (including gift, reward or an offer) to the electors for voting or refraining from voting and to the candidates for withdrawing or not withdrawing nomination.

2. Undue influence includes any direct or indirect interference with the free exercise of any electoral right by the candidate or his election agent. But a declaration of public policy, or a promise of public action, or the mere exercise of a legal right without intent to interfere with an electoral right, shall not be deemed to be interference.

3. Appeal to vote or refrain from voting for any person on the ground of his religion, race, caste, community or language or the use of, or appeal to religious symbols or the use of, or appeal to, national symbols, such as the national flag or the national emblem, for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of that candidate or for prejudicially affecting the election of any candidate: