Increased fine, jail term for indecent representation of women

New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) The government Thursday 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 the ambit of the law.

The amended legislation will now be introduced in parliament for approval.
“The union cabinet today (Thursday) 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 here 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.
Under the amended law, penalties will be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine between Rs.50,000 ando Rs.100,000 for the 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 Rs.100,000 and Rs.500,000.
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.