IPC 293 → BNS 295: Obscenity (Young Person)

Quick Summary: IPC 293 vs BNS 295

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, in force since 1 July 2024, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. IPC 293 covers obscenity (young person), within the IPC's offences affecting public health, safety, decency and morals — public nuisance, negligent acts endangering life, adulteration, obscenity and rash driving. The BNS keeps these and, in places, sharpens the penalties for negligence, renumbering obscenity (young person) as BNS 295.

What did IPC 293 cover?

IPC 293 dealt with obscenity (young person) — sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person. Until 30 June 2024, every FIR and criminal trial for this offence was registered and prosecuted under this provision of the Indian Penal Code 1860.

BNS 295: What changed in the new law?

Age limit of 'young person' is 20 years. From 1 July 2024, new complaints relating to obscenity (young person) are filed under BNS Section 295, while cases registered earlier continue under the old IPC provision as per the saving clause of the BNS.

Punishment under BNS 295

Same - Up to 3 years

Practical implications for advocates, police & citizens

• Advocates: Negligence and public-harm offences like obscenity (young person) turn on the standard of care and causation — frame the defence around BNS 295 and the specific duty alleged.
• Police officers: Record the act endangering the public and any injury caused; a new obscenity (young person) FIR cites BNS 295.
• Law students & citizens: Everyday conduct — rash driving, negligent handling of fire or poison, selling adulterated goods — can attract the obscenity (young person) provision.