Bill adds digital media to indecent representation of women law

This Bill amends the 1986 Act to expand the definition of prohibited material to include digital and electronic media, such as the internet and satellite transmission. It also increases the penalties for violations to act as a stronger deterrent.

Any person who publishes or distributes material containing indecent representation of women, as well as police officers and government officials authorized to investigate and seize such material.

• Redefined 'advertisement' to include audio or visual representations made via light, laser, sound, smoke, gas, or electric form.
• Added definition for 'electronic form' referencing the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Expanded 'distribution' to include making material available via broadcast, transmission, or uploading on websites.
• Broadened 'indecent representation of women' to include material depicting women as sexual objects or appealing to prurient interests.
• Added definitions for 'material' (including digital content) and 'publish' (including digital formats and broadcasting).
• Prohibited the publication or distribution of any material containing indecent representation of women in any form, with specific exceptions for scientific, literary, artistic, religious, or ancient monument contexts.
• Authorized police officers not below the rank of Inspector to investigate offenses and seize material, overriding the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
• Increased penalties for first conviction to up to three years imprisonment and a fine between 50,000 and 1,00,000 rupees.
• Increased penalties for second or subsequent convictions to 2-7 years imprisonment and a fine between 1,00,000 and 5,00,000 rupees.
• Deemed authorized officers to be public servants under the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

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