IPC 294 in BNS: Find the New Section and What Changed

What Changed From IPC 294 to BNS 296?

Section 294 IPC corresponds to Section 296 BNS. The heading and the substantive elements of doing an obscene act in a public place or uttering obscene words in or near a public place to the annoyance of others remain unchanged. The maximum term of imprisonment remains three months. While Section 294 IPC did not prescribe an upper ceiling for the fine, Section 296 BNS caps the fine at one thousand rupees.

IPC 294 vs BNS 296: Comparison Table

Aspect	IPC 1860 (repealed)	BNS 2023 (in force)
Section	294	296
Offence	Obscene acts and songs	Same
Punishment	Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or fine, or both.	Imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months under Section 296 BNS.
Fine	Fine with no fixed limit, alone or with imprisonment.	Fine which may extend to one thousand rupees under Section 296 BNS.
Bail	Bailable	Same
Cognizance	Cognizable	Same
Compoundable	Non-Compoundable	Same
Triable By	Any Magistrate	Same

IPC 294 and BNS 296: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 294, IPC 1860

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.

BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 296, BNS 2023

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.

Ingredients: IPC 294 vs BNS 296

Under IPC 294

Doing an obscene act in any public place, or singing, reciting or uttering any obscene song, ballad or words in or near any public place
The act or utterance was done to the annoyance of others

Under BNS 296

Doing an obscene act in any public place to the annoyance of others
Singing, reciting or uttering an obscene song, ballad or words in or near any public place to the annoyance of others

What IPC 294 to BNS 296 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 294 IPC (now Section 296 BNS): the substantive elements and three-month imprisonment term are unchanged, but Section 296 BNS introduces a statutory ceiling of one thousand rupees on the fine.

FAQs: IPC 294 to BNS 296

What changed when Section 294 IPC became Section 296 BNS?▼

Section 296 BNS caps the fine at one thousand rupees, whereas Section 294 IPC set no statutory limit on fine. The three-month imprisonment maximum and the definition of public obscenity remain identical.

Where does Section 294 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 296 BNS, in Chapter XV, Of Offences Affecting the Public Health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals.

Does Section 294 IPC or Section 296 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 294 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 294 IPC. Section 296 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

IPC 294 to BNS 296: Obscene acts and songs

IPC 294 to BNS 296 at a Glance