BNS Section 296 — Obscene acts and songs

CHAPTER XV OF OFFENCES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, CONVENIENCE, DECENCY AND MORALS

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both

As the section puts it: “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”

Summary

Whoever does any obscene act in a public place, or sings, recites, or utters any obscene song, ballad, or words in or near a public place, and does so to the annoyance of others, commits an offence under this section.

The punishment for this offence is imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to three months, or a fine that may extend to one thousand rupees, or both.

Official 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 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.

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