IPC 293 vs BNS 293
● Retained in BNSSale or hire of obscene objects to young person
Section 293 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, deals with selling, hiring, or distributing obscene objects to persons under the age of 20 years. This provision aims to protect minors from exposure to content or objects that may negatively influence their moral development.
Key points:
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Applies to anyone who sells, hires, or distributes obscene material or objects to minors.
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The term "obscene" includes materials appealing to lustful interests or morally corrupting content.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both.
Example: A shopkeeper selling pornographic magazines to a 17-year-old falls under IPC 293. The law ensures protection of minors from exposure to harmful content and preserves societal values.
Sale or hire of obscene objects to young person
Section 293 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, mirrors IPC 293. It punishes any individual who sells, hires, or distributes obscene objects to persons under 20 years of age, safeguarding the moral and mental well-being of minors.
Key points:
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Covers all forms of obscene content or objects distributed to minors, including books, films, or digital content.
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No intent to corrupt is required; mere distribution to a minor is sufficient.
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Punishment: Imprisonment up to 2 years, or fine, or both (same as IPC).
Example: A person distributing sexually explicit digital content to teenagers online would be liable under BNS 293. This ensures accountability and protection of minors from exposure to immoral content.
What changed?
This provision was carried over to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita with substantially the same wording — the section was renumbered from IPC IPC 293 to BNS BNS 293.