---
title: "Indecent Representation of Women Act 1986: Definition"
description: "The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 prohibits indecent depictions of women in media, crucial for UPSC candidates and gender rights."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/indecent-representation-of-women-prohibition-act-1986"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed July 7, 2026

TL;DR

- The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 is an Indian statute that prohibits depicting women indecently in advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures, or other media.
- How does the Act define 'indecent representation of women'?
- What penalties does the Act prescribe?
- Why is the 1986 Act considered outdated?
- How does this Act differ from the IPC obscenity provisions?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated July 7, 2026

The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986 is an Indian statute that prohibits depicting women indecently in advertisements, publications, writings, paintings, figures, or other media.

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In 2018 the Ministry of Women and Child Development circulated a draft Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Amendment Bill seeking to extend the 1986 Act to digital, electronic, and social-media content.

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