The proposed new amendments will include so-called new media
NEW DELHI (TrustLaw) - India's women and child development ministry plans to target websites and other media who "indecently portray women" with stiffer penalties in an attempt to promote gender awareness and more respect for women in the largely patriarchal nation, the Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday.
The internet, multimedia messaging, satellite and cable television as well as print and audio media which indecently represent women will face a fine of 50,000 rupees ($930) and a three-year jail term, according to the report.
Currently, the Indecent Representation of Women Prohibition Act allows for a fine of 2,000 rupees ($37) and a two-year jail sentence.
The new amendments proposed will include so-called new media and will also increase punishments for offenders.
"We have moved a cabinet note to get the amendments approved which will make the act in sync with newer forms of media like the internet," a women's ministry official, who did not want to be named, was quoted as saying.
The report said the ministry has also expanded the definition of indecent representation of women to include "depiction of women as a sexual object, which appeals to the prurient interest".
The amendment, if approved, will also give police officers the power to conduct searches and seize incriminating evidence, the report added.
Women’s rights experts say patriarchal attitudes which see women as inferior have meant that Indian women face a plethora of threats from rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence to child marriage, honour killings and female foeticide.
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