IPC Section 293 — Sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person

offences affecting the public health, safety, convenience, decency and morals

Criminal

Punishment

Imprisonment up to 3 years or fine up to ₹2,000

As the section puts it: “shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, and, in the event of a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and also with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees”

Summary

This section makes it a crime to sell, rent, show, or give any obscene material to someone under 20 years old. It also covers offering or trying to do any of these things. For a first offence, the punishment can be up to three years in jail and a fine of up to two thousand rupees. If a person is convicted a second or later time, the punishment increases to up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to five thousand rupees.

Official Text

Whoever sells, lets to hire, distributes, exhibits or circulates to any person under the age of twenty years any such obscene object as is referred to in the last preceding section, or offers or attempts so to do, shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, and, in the event of a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and also with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.

Related Judgments

  • DIRECTOR GENERAL, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF DOORDARSHAN AND ORS. vs ANAND PATWARDHAN — Supreme Court of India (2006)
  • INDIAN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (AHAR) & ANR. vs THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2019)
  • BACHPAN BACHAO ANDOLAN vs UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS — Supreme Court of India (2011)
  • 1.Santhosh Kumar; 2.Mathavan; 3.Karthickraja; 4.Ramana vs 1.The State Rep. by,, The Inspector of Police,, Manamadurai Police Sta — Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) (2025)

Old <-> New Code Mapping

  • BNS §295 — Sale, etc., of obscene objects to child