Whoever, to the annoyance of others –
- does any obscene act in any public place, or
- sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both.
IPC Section 294: Simplified Explanation
IPC Section 294 addresses obscene acts and songs in public places. This section aims to maintain public decency and morality by prohibiting certain actions that may be offensive to others in a public setting.
Key Points of IPC Section 294:
- Offence Description: The section criminalizes the following actions:
- Doing any obscene act in a public place.
- Singing, reciting, or uttering any obscene song, ballad, or words in or near any public place.
- Objective: The primary objective is to ensure that public spaces remain free from acts and expressions that can be considered obscene and offensive to the general public, thus maintaining public order and decency.
- Scope: This section covers acts and verbal expressions deemed obscene and performed in or near public places.
Is IPC Section 294 bailable?
Yes, offences under IPC Section 294 are generally bailable. This means that an individual accused of this offence can secure bail as a matter of right and does not require the discretion of the court. The person can be released from custody after providing bail.
IPC Section 294 Punishment
The punishment for an offence under IPC Section 294 includes imprisonment of either description for a term that may extend to three months, with a fine, or with both.
Example of IPC Section 294
Consider a case where a group of individuals is caught performing an obscene act in a public park, or a person is found singing explicit and offensive songs loudly in a public place like a bus stand or market.
- First Conviction: If it’s the first time, the offenders might be sentenced to up to three months in prison and/or fined, depending on the severity and context of the obscene act or song.
For instance, a person might be arrested for making lewd gestures and uttering obscene words loudly in a crowded street. Upon conviction under IPC Section 294, the person could face a short-term imprisonment and/or a fine. This example illustrates the law’s application in maintaining public decency and addressing actions that can offend the general public in shared spaces.
