Expert panel to be formed to curb ads inciting sexual offences, says Maha minister Shelar
Mumbai, July 3
The Maharashtra government will constitute an expert committee to recommend stringent punitive provisions under existing laws to curb advertisements, hoardings, websites and social media content that incite sexual offences, said Minister Ashish Shelar in the State Assembly on Friday.
He was replying to MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar who had tabled a non-government Bill seeking to prohibit advertisements, hoardings, websites and social media content that incite sexual offences.
Responding to the discussion, Minister Shelar said that the government stance is extremely strict and has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards advertisements that portray women in an indecent manner, promote obscenity, or encourage sexual offences.
He emphasised that anyone disseminating obscene language, images, gestures, or content through public platforms would face strict action under the Constitution and the existing legal framework.
The Minister also noted that stringent provisions, including imprisonment and fines, already exist under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, the Cable Television Networks Rules, the Information Technology Act, and other relevant laws to deal with obscene material, indecent representation of women and the transmission of obscene content through electronic media.
However, Minister Shelar said that the penalties prescribed under the 1986 Act and the 1994 Cable Television Networks Rules are no longer commensurate with present-day realities and need to be increased.
He added that the state government will coordinate with the Central government to review and strengthen the penal provisions under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, including enhancing the penalties.
Minister Shelar also announced that an expert committee will be constituted to formulate a balanced policy that safeguards freedom of expression while protecting societal interests and the dignity of women.
"While advertisements are an integral part of society and the economy, they must promote positive values rather than encourage obscenity, moral degradation or sexual offences," the Minister said.
He stressed that effective regulation of obscene and derogatory advertisements targeting women is essential to preserve social values and foster a healthy cultural environment.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good step, but implementation is key. We have strong laws already, but enforcement in Maharashtra is patchy. Those hoardings outside Mumbai railway stations are still vulgar. Will this committee actually act or just be another paper tiger?
Shelar sahab is right. We have a double problem: some ads are offensive to women AND promote bad values to youth. But be careful—this shouldn't be misused to target political opponents or artists. Special committee should have clear guidelines. 🎯
Finally some action! As a woman in Mumbai, I'm tired of seeing offensive hoardings near bus stops. But why only ads? What about the way women are portrayed in web series and movies? That also shapes mindsets. Should be a comprehensive approach.
I appreciate the intent, but the 1986 Act is very old. Updating it is necessary. However, we also need digital literacy—many people don't understand why these ads are harmful. The committee should also focus on education. But yes, good news overall! 😊
This is a classic case of 'too little, too late' but still welcome. The real problem is the violation culture—ads showing women as objects are just the tip of the iceberg. Hope this expert panel does a deep study and suggests real deterrents, not just fines.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.