BNS Section 169 – Candidate, electoral right defined

IPC Section – 171 A

Definitions of “Candidate” and “Electoral Right”

1. Purpose of the Section

This section provides definitions of key terms related to elections, which are used within this chapter of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). It clarifies the meaning of:

• Candidate
• Electoral Right

2. Definition of Candidate (Section 169(a))

• A candidate is defined as a person who has been nominated to participate in an election.
• This applies to local, state, and national elections, or any other officially recognized electoral process.

3. Definition of Electoral Right (Section 169(b))

• Electoral right refers to the rights a person has in relation to elections, including:
  1. The right to stand as a candidate in an election.
  2. The right to not stand as a candidate or withdraw from candidacy after being nominated.
  3. The right to vote or to abstain from voting.
• This definition captures the freedoms and rights associated with participating in the democratic electoral process, either as a voter or a candidate.

Summary of Definitions

4. Purpose of the Definitions

• To provide clarity on key terms used in the chapter related to elections.
• To ensure a clear understanding of the rights and roles of individuals in the electoral process.