Indecent Representation of Women Act needs modification: Vyas

Mumbai, May 24 (UNI) National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Girija Vyas today emphasised the need to modify the existing 'Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986', by widening its scope.

Speaking at the first seminar on the subject here, Dr Vyas said the commission will be holding five seminars in this regard, across the country, to garner views and suggestions from Bollywood personalities, members of the Press Council, advertising professionals and social workers. Thereafter, within two months, the commission will submit its report to the government.

Elaborating about widening of the Act, she said the electronic media and cyber space should be covered in the act, because now-a-days several indecent advertisements are screened on television channels and the internet.

Dr Vyas said the commission would also recommend for enhancement of punishment and penalty from two years to five years and from Rs two thousand to Rs ten thousand, respectively.

The definition of 'Obscenity' should be described in detail in the modification of the act, she observed.

Law relating to obscenity in the country is codified in sections 292, 293 and 294 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In spite of these provisions, there are growing incidents of indecent representation of women or references to women in publications, advertisements and other modes, which have a derogatory effect on dignity of women, Dr Vyas added.

UNI ST SR RL KP1622