294. (1) For the purposes of sub-section (2), a book, pamphlet, paper, writing, drawing, painting, representation, figure or any other object, including display of any content in electronic form shall be deemed to be obscene if it is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect, or (where it comprises two or more distinct items) the effect of any one of its items, is, if taken as a whole, such as to tend to deprave and corrupt persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant circumstances, to read, see or hear the matter contained or embodied in it.
(2) Whoever-
(a) sells, lets to hire, distributes, publicly exhibits or in any manner
puts into
circulation, or for purposes of sale, hire, distribution, public exhibition
or circulation, makes, produces or has in his possession any obscene book,
pamphlet, paper, drawing, painting, representation or figure or any other
obscene object whatsoever in whatever manner; or
(b) imports, exports or conveys any obscene object for any of the purposes aforesaid, or knowing or having reason to believe that such object will be sold, let to hire, distributed or publicly exhibited or in any manner put into circulation; or
(c) takes part in or receives profits from any business in the course of
which he knows or has reason to believe that any such obscene objects are,
for any of the purposes aforesaid, made produced, purchased, kept, imported,
exported, conveyed, publicly exhibited or in any manner put into
circulation; or
(d) advertises or makes known by any means whatsoever that any person is
engaged or is ready to engage in any act which is an offence under this
section, or that any such obscene object can be procured from or through any
person; or
(e) offers or attempts to do any act which is an offence under this section, shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, and, in the event of a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and also with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees.
Exception.-This section does not extend to-
(a) any book, pamphlet, paper, writing, drawing, painting, representation or figure-
(i) the publication of which is proved to be justified as being for the public good on the ground that such book, pamphlet, paper, writing, drawing, painting, representation or figure is in the interest of science, literature, art or learning or other objects of general concern; or
(ii) which is kept or used bona fide for religious purposes;
(b) any representation sculptured, engraved, painted or otherwise represented on or in-
(i) any ancient monument within the meaning of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958; or
(ii) any temple, or on any car used for the conveyance of idols, or kept or used for any religious purpose.
Section 291 Negligent conduct with respect to animal
Section 292 Punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for
Section 293 Continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue
Section 294 Sale, etc of obscene books, etc
Section 295 Sale, etc., of obscene objects to child
Section 296 Obscene acts and songs
Section 297 Keeping lottery office
Section 298 Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult religion of any class