Verified 2025 — BNS Bare Act

IPC 292 → BNS 294: Obscenity (Books/Objects)

IPC Section 292 (Obscenity (Books/Objects)) under the old Indian Penal Code 1860 is now covered under Section 294 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

Old Law — IPC 1860

292

Obscenity (Books/Objects)

Sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.

New Law — BNS 2023

294

Obscenity (Books/Objects)

Punishment / Liability

Same - Up to 2 years (first conviction)

Key Change / Note

Definition of obscenity evolves with case law

Facing a case under BNS 294?

Connect with a verified criminal lawyer for bail, FIR & defence under BNS 294.

Quick Summary: IPC 292 vs BNS 294

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. Under the new criminal law framework, IPC Section 292 (Obscenity (Books/Objects)) is now mapped to BNS Section 294.

What did IPC 292 cover?

IPC 292 dealt with obscenity (books/objects) — sale, etc., of obscene books, etc.. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial relating to this offence in India was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 294: What changed in the new law?

Definition of obscenity evolves with case law. From 1 July 2024, all new criminal complaints relating to obscenity (books/objects) are filed under BNS Section 294. Cases registered before 1 July 2024 will, however, continue to be tried under the old IPC provisions as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 294

Same - Up to 2 years (first conviction)

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

Advocates: While drafting bail applications, vakalatnamas and written statements for offences registered after 1 July 2024, cite BNS 294 instead of IPC 292.
Police officers: Use BNS 294 as the substantive offence in new FIRs; procedure is governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Law students & citizens: For competitive exams, judicial services and general awareness, remember the IPC 292 ↔ BNS 294 mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BNS equivalent of IPC Section 292?

IPC Section 292 (Obscenity (Books/Objects)) is now covered under Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, effective from 1 July 2024.

What is the punishment under BNS 294?

Same - Up to 2 years (first conviction)

What is the key difference between IPC 292 and BNS 294?

Definition of obscenity evolves with case law

Is IPC 292 still valid in India?

No. The Indian Penal Code 1860 has been repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 with effect from 1 July 2024. All ongoing cases under IPC continue, but new FIRs are registered under BNS.