IPC Section 171B: Bribery in India
1. Code:
Section 171B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the offense of bribery.
2. Explanation:
This section states that whoever, being a public servant, accepts or obtains or agrees to accept or obtain any gratification, other than legal remuneration, for himself or for any other person, as a motive or reward for doing or forbearing to do any official act, or for showing or forbearing to show, in the exercise of his official functions, favour or disfavour to any person, or for rendering or forbearing to render any service or disservice to any person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
3. Illustration:
A police officer accepts a bribe from a person to overlook a traffic violation. This act falls under Section 171B as the officer, being a public servant, has accepted gratification for forbearing to do an official act (taking action for the traffic violation).
4. Common Questions and Answers:
Q: What is the definition of “public servant” under this section?
A: It includes any person holding any office in connection with the affairs of the Union or of any State, or any office in any local authority or any body corporate established by law.
Q: What constitutes “gratification”?
A: It can be anything of value, including money, property, favors, or even promises of future benefits.
Q: Can a public servant be punished under this section even if he/she has not actually taken any bribe?
A: Yes, even agreeing to accept a bribe can attract punishment under Section 171B.
