Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act,1986

Sections 292, 293 and 294 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860) deal with the law relating to obscenity. Section 292 is in respect of sale, etc., of obscene books etc., section 293 deals with sale, etc., of obscene objects to young persons, and section 294 covers obscene acts and songs. None of the provisions of the Penal Code have any special reference to the indecent representation of women and perhaps due to this lacuna a tendency started growing to represent women in a very indecent manner. Specially in publications and advertisements etc. indecent representation of women or references to women started affecting the morality of the society and had the effect of denigrating women. To deal with such a situation a Bill was introduced in the Parliament to prohibit indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings, figures or in any other manner. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS

The law relating to obscenity is codified in sections 292, 293 and 294 of the Indian Penal Code. In spite of these provisions, there is a growing body of indecent representation of women or references to women in publications, particularly advertisements, etc. which have the effect of denigrating women and are derogatory to women. Though there may be no specific intention, these advertisements, publications, etc. have an effect of depraving or corrupting persons. It is therefore, felt necessary to have a separate legislation to effectively prohibit the indecent representation of women through advertisements, books, pamphlets etc. Hence this Bill.