Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 293
repealedSale, etc., of obscene objects to young person
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 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.
Why this exists
Young people are considered more vulnerable to being influenced or corrupted by obscene material, so the law imposes a stiffer penalty when the target audience is under twenty, compared to the general obscenity offence in the preceding section. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, this offence continues under a renumbered section.