In a bid to address the problem of the increased objectification of women, the Cabinet on Thursday gave its nod to amendments to the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986.

The amendments seeks to broaden the scope of the law and to keep a check on indecent representation of women in newer forms of communication beyond the print and audio-visual media, which includes Internet, satellite-based communication, multi-media messaging and cable television, among others.

Stricter penalties would be enforced with a maximum of three years of imprisonment for the first conviction, which could be extended to seven years for the second conviction. The accused would now have to pay fines of up to Rs 1 lakh for the first conviction and up to Rs 5 lakh for the second conviction. Also police officers below the rank of inspector would now be authorised to carry out “search and seizure”, besides State and Central Government officers.

The Act was enacted in 1986 to prohibit the indecent representation of women through advertisement, publication, writing, and painting or in any other manner. With the increased use of advanced technology and communication devices in everyday life, the Government felt the scope of the Act should be amended. The amendments were introduced after consultations with stakeholders, including lawyers and civil society organisations, on the draft Bill.

>meenakshi.v@thehindu.co.in

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