Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
BNS Section 296
Obscene acts and songs
In one line
BNS Section 296 deals with obscene acts and songs and replaces IPC 294.
Punishment, bail and court
| Section | Offence | Punishment | Cognizable | Bailable | Triable by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 296 | Obscene acts and songs. | Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine of 1,000 rupees, or both. | Cognizable. | Bailable. | Any Magistrate. |
Source: First Schedule to the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The punishment column is the Schedule’s summary; the section text below is what prescribes the punishment. Classification decides procedure (arrest, bail as of right, which court), not the result of any particular case.
Bare act text — BNS 296
296. 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 which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
What changed from the IPC
- IPC 294 → BNS 296: Fine is defined as up to one thousand rupees.
Frequently asked
What was BNS Section 296 in the IPC?
BNS Section 296 (Obscene acts and songs) replaces Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. IPC 294 is now BNS 296.
What is the punishment under BNS 296?
Obscene acts and songs – punishable 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. Under the First Schedule to the BNSS, 2023 it is cognizable and bailable, triable by any Magistrate.
Is BNS 296 bailable?
Bailable: BNS 296. Bail in a non-bailable offence is at the court's discretion; the classification decides procedure, not the outcome of a particular bail application.
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Nearby BNS sections
- BNS 291 — Negligent conduct with respect to animal
- BNS 292 — Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
- BNS 293 — Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue
- BNS 294 — Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc
- BNS 295 — Sale, etc., of obscene objects to child
- BNS 297 — Keeping lottery office
- BNS 298 — Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class
- BNS 299 — Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs
- BNS 300 — Disturbing religious assembly
- BNS 301 — Trespassing on burial places, etc