Ministry of Women and Child Development
The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, prohibits the indecent representation of women through advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures, or in any other manner. The Act recognizes that indecent representation can be detrimental to women’s dignity and can contribute to their exploitation and objectification. It aims to protect women from such portrayals and uphold their right to respectful representation. This Act falls under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Act was enacted on December 23, 1986, and came into force on October 2, 1987. It consists of 10 sections and is not divided into chapters.
Act Governed By:
The Act is enforced by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. State Governments have the power to authorize Gazetted Officers to conduct searches and seizures. The Central Government has the power to make rules for the Act’s implementation.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Act applies to all individuals and entities involved in the creation, publication, or distribution of advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures, or any other form of media that depicts women.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for publishing or participating in the publication of indecent representations of women. Penalties are enhanced for subsequent convictions.
Important Pointers:
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Defines “indecent representation of women” broadly to include any depiction that is indecent, derogatory, denigrating, or likely to deprave, corrupt, or injure public morality or morals.
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Prohibits indecent representation in advertisements and publications, including books, pamphlets, papers, slides, films, writings, drawings, paintings, photographs, and figures.
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Provides exceptions for representations in the interest of science, literature, art, learning, or other objects of general concern, as well as for bona fide religious purposes and depictions on ancient monuments or religious objects.
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Empowers authorized officers to enter and search premises and seize materials suspected of containing indecent representations.
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Makes offenses under the Act cognizable and bailable.
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Protects actions taken in good faith under the Act.
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Empowers the Central Government to make rules for implementation.