BNS §296
Obscene acts and songs
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Comparison
1[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.]
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.
What changedAI-inferred
IPC 294 (obscene acts and songs in public; 3 months/fine) preserved as BNS 296 with explicit fine cap of ₹1,000.
Old position
IPC 294 is concerned with Obscene acts and songs. 1[294
New position
BNS 296 modifies the framework. Topic: Obscene acts and songs. Whoever, to the annoyance of others,
BNS 296 modifies IPC 294. IPC 294 (obscene acts and songs in public; 3 months/fine) preserved as BNS 296 with explicit fine cap of ₹1,000. BNS 296 text: 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...
Editorial deltaAI-indicated (source-linked)
BNS-296 reproduces IPC-294's framework on obscene acts and songs character-identically. Historical-amendment brackets are incorporated as plain text. Punishment levels are preserved.
Transitional note (repeal & savings)
For matters initiated before 1 July 2024, IPC 294 continues to apply. For matters from that date forward, BNS 296 applies. The transition is governed by the repeal-and-savings clause in the new code (BNS 358 / BNSS 531 / BSA 170 as the case may be); pending proceedings under the old code carry forward unaffected.
Frequently asked
BNS 296 (Obscene acts and songs). The relationship is classified as modified — see the change-note above for the textual delta.
Sources
- India Code — Indian Penal Code, 1860
- Gazette of India — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Cite this page
Newlaws.in, IPC §294 → BNS §296 Mapping Page, last updated 2026-05-01, accessed 2026-06-14, https://newlaws.in/bns/296.
Compiled using AI-assisted tools · Source-linked · Last updated 2026-05-01
Not legal advice. Verify against the bare act and consult a qualified advocate for any specific matter.