In a bid to bring Internet and e-media under its purview, the ministry of women and child welfare has proposed changes in the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The proposal to this effect from the ministry is high on agenda of the meeting of the Union Cabinet, which will meet on Thursday.
Informing this, sources in the government said, since the existing law only takes care of indecent depiction of women in print medium, the government is likely to “bring in Internet and e-media” under the purview of the Act by amending it. “Proposals are also there to upwardly revise the quantum of penalties to make them contemporary,” they added.
Sources further informed that in case of violation against the Act, any member of the public or any organization, which is involved in involved in activities related to development and welfare of women will have the right to file complaint with the police. “Following the complaint it would be incumbent on the police to expeditiously investigate the case and take necessary action to prosecute the person, who is responsible for the contravention,” they added.
Further revealing the proposed punishment and penalty under the Act, sources said, the provisions are progressive.
“In case of first offence, an offender would be liable for a fine up to `2,000, which may be `10,000 or jail term of six month or both. But the same can extend up to five years jail term or a fine of `1 lakh or both,” they said. A proposal is also there to authorise the government to appoint a Central authority to govern and regulate the manner in which women are represented in any document.