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Repealed on 1 July 2024 and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS).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)].

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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Official reference: Delhi District & Sessions Judge: government historical reference — source link checked: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2024-06-30.Mobile-app reference import; the recorded snapshot date is not a fresh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.

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