Increased Fine, Jail Term for Indecent Representation of Women

New Delhi: The government approved amendments to a legislation against indecent representation of women, making it more stringent by increasing the fine and jail term, apart from expanding its scope to include audio-visual and electronic media within its ambit.

The amended legislation will now be introduced in parliament for approval.

"The union cabinet approved the introduction of amendments to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 in parliament," a government release said soon after the cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Among the key amendments proposed are broadening the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form, the release said.

The government said the amendments sought to ensure that more effective protection is provided against indecent representation of women by covering newer forms of communication like Internet and multimedia messaging, beyond the print and audio-visual media.

"This would aid in addressing the problem of increased objectification of women thereby ensuring dignity of women," the release said.

Under the amended law, penalties will be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine between 50,000 and 100,000 for first conviction.

A second conviction under the law will invite an imprisonment of not less than two years, but which may extend to seven years, and a fine between 100,000 and 500,000.