Section 294 · Section 294. Obscene acts and songs
1[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.]
CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE
Punishment-Imprisonment for 3 months, or fine, or both-Cognizable-Bailable-Triable by any Magistrate-Non-compoundable.
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1. Subs. by Act 3 of 1895, sec. 3, for the original section.
The offence at a glance
- Punishment
- up to 0 years, fine (no stated ceiling)
- Cognizable
- Cognizable
- Bailable
- Bailable
- Compoundable
- Not compoundable
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable — Police may arrest without a warrant
- Bailable — Bail is your right — it can be granted at the police station
From the First Schedule to the BNSS (the CrPC's, for IPC offences)
In the new law
IPC 294BNS 296
296. Obscene acts and songs.
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How this section has changed
The law that applies is the law as it stood on the date of the offence — which is why this timeline matters.
- 1895Substituted
By: Act 3 of 1895, sec. 3
The text in force on the date of the offence is the text that applies — a later amendment does not reach back.