Whoever commits an offence of corrupt practice shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.

Prosecution and appeal Prosecution and appeal:

1. (1) No Magistrate other than a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall take cognizance of any offence under this Chapter,-
   • (a) except on the complaint of a person whose name is on the electoral roll;
   • (b) unless such complaint has been made within fourteen days of-
     • (i) the date of declaration of the result of any election to which the offence relates, or
     • (ii) the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed; and
   • (c) in the case of an offence of corrupt practice, unless the person complaining shall have deposited one hundred rupees: Provided that deposit mentioned in clause (c) shall be refunded to the complainant if the complaint is found to be true or if, for any other reason, the Magistrate or the Court of Sessions so directs.
2. (2) An appeal shall lie to the Court of Sessions from any conviction under this section.