IPC Section 294 — Obscene acts and songs

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

Criminal

Summary

A person who does an obscene act in a public place, or sings or says obscene words in or near a public place, in a way that annoys others, can be punished with up to three months in jail, a fine, or both.

Official Text

Whoever, to the annoyance of others:
does any obscene act in any public place, or
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.

Related Judgments

  • STATE OF HARYANA v. SMT. KAMLA AND ORS. APRIL 30, 1996 B — Supreme Court of India (S)
  • INDIAN HOTEL AND RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (AHAR) v. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA A B C D E F G H 382 SUPREME COURT REPORTS — Supreme Court of India (2019)
  • SC (2025) Vol.1 p.1469 — Supreme Court of India (2025)
  • N. S. MADHANAGOPAL & ANR v. K. LALITHA — Supreme Court of India (2022)
  • Petitioners/A1 and A2 vs State by Inspector of Police — Madras High Court (2016)
  • CRL A/614/2010 — Madras High Court (2010)
  • SC (2024) Vol.5 p.813 — Supreme Court of India (2024)
  • SHREYASINGHAL v. UNION OF INDIA — Supreme Court of India (2015)

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