IPC Section 293: Sale, etc., of obscene objects to young person
Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Chapter 14: Offences affecting the Public health, Safety, Convenience, Decency and Morals
Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).
¶1[Whoever sells, lets to hire, distributes, exhibits or circulates to any person under the age of twenty years any such obscene object as is referred to in the last preceding section, or offers or attempts so to do, shall be punished 2[on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, and, in the event of a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and also with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees].]
¶CLASSIFICATION OF OFFENCE
¶Punishment-On first conviction, with imprisonment for 3 years, and with fine of 2,000 rupees, and, in the event of second of subsequent conviction, with imprisonment for 7 years, and with fine of 5,000 rupees-Cognizable-Bailable-Triable by any Magistrate-Non-compoundable.
¶STATE AMENDMENTS
¶Orissa
¶Same as in Tamil Nadu.
¶[Vide Orissa Act 13 of 1962, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 16-5-1962)].
¶Tamil Nadu
¶In Section 293,-
¶(a) for the words "any such obscene object as is referred to in the last preceding section" the words, figures and letter "any such obscene object as is referred to in section 292 or any such newspaper, periodical, circular, picture or other printed or written document as is referred to in section 292-A" shall be substituted;
¶(b) for the words "which may extend to six months" the words "which may extend to three years" shall be substituted;
¶(c) in the marginal note, after the words "obscene objects" the words "any grossly indecent or scurrilous matter intended for blackmail shall be inserted."
¶[Vide Tamil Nadu Act 25 of 1960, sec. 4 (w.e.f. 9-11-1960)].
¶_______________________________
¶1. Subs. by Act 8 of 1925, s. 2, for section 293.
¶2. Subs. by Act 8 of 1925, s. 2, for s. 292.
Study: explanations and related material
Now BNS 295 (same provision). IPC → BNS converterSource: BPR&D BNS–IPC corresponding section table (UP Police, 2024-06-28), p17
Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh legal-currency guarantee. The linked government text is an independent authoritative reference, not certification that this website reproduces the same edition. The source link was checked, not every provision or subsequent amendment. Check commencement notifications, savings and jurisdiction-specific variations separately. Historical code retained for reference; read the repeal/savings provisions in the successor code.
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 268. Public nuisance
- 269. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- 270. Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life
- 271. Disobedience to quarantine rule
- 272. Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale
- 273. Sale of noxious food or drink
- 274. Adulteration of drugs
- 275. Sale of adulterated drugs
- 276. Sale of drug as a different drug or preparation
- 277. Fouling water of public spring or reservoir
- 278. Making atmosphere noxious to health
- 279. Rash driving or riding on a public way
- 280. Rash navigation of vessel
- 281. Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy
- 282. Conveying person by water for hire in unsafe or overloaded vessel
- 283. Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation
- 284. Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance
- 285. Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter
- 286. Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance
- 287. Negligent conduct with respect to machinery
- 288. Negligent conduct with respect to pulling down or repairing buildings
- 289. Negligent conduct with respect to animal
- 290. Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
- 291. Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue
- 292. Sale, etc., or obscene books, etc
- 294. Obscene acts and songs
- 294A. Keeping lottery office