Obscene acts and songs
What this section does
Penalises obscene acts done in a public place, or the singing, reciting, or uttering of obscene songs, ballads, or words in or near a public place, where such conduct causes annoyance to others. Both physical acts and spoken/sung content are covered.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment of either description for up to 3 months, or fine up to ₹1,000, or both.
- Triable by
- Any Magistrate
- Cognizable
- No
- Bailable
- Yes
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused did an obscene act in a public place, or sang, recited, or uttered obscene songs, ballads, or words in or near a public place
- The act caused annoyance to others
Derived from IPC s.294.
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 296, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 296 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.