Obscene acts and songs
Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Obscene acts and songs) corresponds to Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNSS First Schedule, BNS 296 is cognizable, bailable, triable by Any Magistrate; punishment: Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both.
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 296 | Obscene acts and songs. | Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both. | Cognizable | Bailable | Any Magistrate |
Source: BNSS, 2023, First Schedule, Part I.
The BNS applies to offences committed on or after 1 July 2024. Offences committed earlier are charged and tried under the IPC.
296. Whoever, to the annoyance of others,— (a) does any obscene act in any public place; or
(b) sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
Full BNS Section 296 and every IPC section it replaced →
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