STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 was enacted to prohibit indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings, paintings, figures or in any other manner. However, the Act in its present form relates primarily to the print media. Since the enactment of the Act, technological revolution has resulted in development of new forms of communication, such as internet and satellite based communication, multi-media messaging and cable television, etc. It has, thus, become necessary to widen the scope of the Act so as to cover the above forms of media. Further, considering that the National Crimes Records Bureau recorded a total number of 845, 895 and 453 cases of violation of the provisions of the Act in the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, for the law to be more effective, stringent punishment which acts as deterrent also becomes essential. It is also felt that a Central Authority which regulates the manner in which women are represented in any document published, broadcasted or telecasted needs to be established with several powers vested in it. It is, therefore, proposed to amend the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 to ensure more effective protection to women against their indecent representation. The Bill, inter alia, provides to— (a) establish a Central Authority to govern and regulate the manner in which women are represented in any document published, broadcasted or telecasted; (b) define powers and functions of the Central Authority; and (c) make a provision for taking and complaints filed action on passing appropriate orders to check indecent representation of women in advertisement. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives. NEW DELHI; November 28, 2018. RABINDRA KUMAR JENA 4