Punishment for Bribery (Section 171-E of Indian Penal Code, 1860):
Whoever commits the offence of bribery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both: Provided that bribery by treating shall be punished with fine only.
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Explanation. “Treating” means that form of bribery where the gratification consists in food, drink, entertainment, or provision. Whoever commits the offence of bribery shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both: Provided that the bribery by treating shall be punished with fine only.
Explanation:
“Treating” means that form of bribery where the gratification consists in food, drink, entertainment or provision.
In Deepak Ganpatrao Salunke v. State of Maharashtra, the facts were that a statement was made by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Government in a public meeting that if Republican Party of India would support the B.J.P., Shiv Sena alliance in Parliamentary election he will see that a member of Republican Party of India is made Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. It was held that that the above statement does not amount to bribery as defined in Section 171-B of the Indian Penal Code.