Whoever with intent to affect the result of an election makes or publishes any statement purporting to be a statement of fact which is false and which he either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, in relation to the personal character or conduct of any candidate shall be punished with fine.
CHAPTER IX OF OFFENCES RELATING TO ELECTIONS
Section 175: False statement in connection with an election
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Corresponding IPC provision
As given in the correspondence table of the National Crime Records Bureau (Ministry of Home Affairs). Read both texts before relying on it. NCRB table