Increased Fine, Jail Term for Indecent Representation of Women

Police officers not below the rank of inspectors will be authorised to carry out searches and seizures under the law, in addition to state and central government officers authorised by the state or central government.

The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 (IRWA) focuses on indecent representation of women and brings under its ambit references that are derogatory to the dignity of women.

The IRWA was enacted with the specific objective of prohibiting the indecent representation of women through advertisement, publication, writing, and painting or in any other manner.

The existing law, in its present form, covers the print media.

However, over the years, technological revolution has resulted in the development of newer forms of communication such as Internet and satellite-based communication, multi-media messaging, and cable television.

"It has, therefore, become imperative to widen the scope of the law so as to cover such forms of media, on one hand, and to strengthen the existing safeguards to prevent indecent representation of women through any such form," the release said.

The government felt that though IRWA was enacted with the objective of prohibiting indecent representation of women in any advertisement or publication, the existing legislation lacked the focus that is necessary to protect women from exploitation, particularly in the face of the increasing use of advanced technology and communication devices in our everyday life.

"It was felt that the scope of the Act may need to be amended. Extensive consultations have been held with stakeholders, including lawyers and civil society organisations, on the draft bill, before its finalisation," it added.