Sending obscene messages may now invite prison term

Sending obscene messages may now invite prison term

The Union cabinet on Thursday approved introduction of an amendment to the ‘Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act of 1986’ in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament, making indecent exposure of women more more stringent and covering the audio-visual media and also material in electronic form like SMS, Internet, etc. The original law was limited to the print media. The key amendments include raising the penalty to a maximum of three years of jail and fine of Rs 50,000-Rs 1 lakh. The second conviction will entail imprisonment of two to seven years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Police officers not below the rank of inspectors are authorised to carry out search and seizure. According to the cabinet note, these amendments will ensure more effective protection against decent depiction of women in newer forms of communication like Internet, multi-media and messaging to tackle the problem of increased objectification of women and thus ensure dignity of women. The law was enacted in 1986 to prohibit indecent depiction of women through advertisements, publication, writing and painting. The urgency of make changes in the law was felt to protect women from exploitation, particularly in the face of the increasing use of advanced technology and communication devices in everyday life. “The law will not only cover other forms of media, but will also strengthen the existing safeguards to prevent indecent representation of women through any such form,” the note said. Officials said the proposed amendments were finalised after extensive consultations with the stakeholders, including lawyers and civil society representatives.