Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has expressed serious concern over multiple instances of obscene and derogatory portrayal of women in advertisements coming to the notice of the department, asserting that the Punjab Government will not tolerate any violation of women’s dignity and honour.
Addressing the issue, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “It is a matter of serious concern that several instances of obscene and derogatory portrayal of women through various advertisements have come to the notice of the department. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 strictly prohibits any indecent or derogatory depiction of women.”
She further said, “Portraying women in an obscene or derogatory manner through advertisements, publications, paintings or any other media platform is a punishable offence under law, and strict legal action will be taken against those found violating the provisions of the Act.”
The Minister categorically underlined that safeguarding the dignity, honour and safety of women remains among the foremost priorities of the Punjab Government. “The dignity, honour and safety of women are among the top priorities of the Punjab Government, and any violation of the law in this regard will invite stringent legal action as per the prescribed provisions,” she stated.
Issuing clear directions to media platforms, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “All TV channels, websites, web-based applications, newspapers and other audio-visual media platforms must ensure that no content or advertisement depicting women in an obscene or derogatory manner is broadcast, published or printed. Dissemination of such content amounts to a violation of law, and any individual or organization involved will face strict legal consequences.”
The Minister further directed strict administrative vigilance across Punjab. “All District Programme Officers in Punjab are directed to take suo motu cognizance of such cases and ensure prompt action on complaints received, strictly in accordance with the relevant legal provisions,” she said, adding that “such cases will be reviewed periodically at both the Punjab and district levels by the Deputy Commissioners.”
She also clarified that instructions have already been issued to all Senior Superintendents of Police in Punjab to extend necessary support to ensure effective enforcement of the law.
Reiterating the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said, “The Punjab Government remains fully committed to safeguarding women’s rights, dignity and security, and is continuously taking effective measures to strengthen awareness and respect towards women in society.”
Describing the move as a decisive step forward, she added, “This initiative of the Punjab Government is a significant step towards the creation of a safe, respectful and dignified society.”
