Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Section 296

BNS 296: earlier IPC 294

Section 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. BNS 296 deals with obscene acts and songs. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita came into force on 1 July 2024. Both texts are set out below, side by side, with the changed words marked.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

BNS 296 was IPC 294.

Obscene acts and songs.

Carried over
95% of the old wording kept
Old · IPC 1860 · Ch. XIV
s. 294
Obscene acts and songs
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, or with both.]
Text from the official India Code PDF
New · BNS 2023 · Ch. XV
s. 296
Obscene acts and songs.
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.
Text from India Code
Old classification · CrPC First Schedule, for IPC 294
CognizableCognizable
BailableBailable
PunishmentImprisonment for 3 months, or fine or both.
Triable byAny Magistrate.
For an offence under the BNS, check the First Schedule of the BNSS.
Judgments on s. 294 IPCBNS 296 on India Code Source: NCRB section table
Related sectionsIPC 294 · Obscene acts and songs
BNS 295 · Sale, etc., of obscene objects to child.BNS 297 · Keeping lottery office.

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