Citing IT rules, other laws, Govt withdraws Bill on Women portrayal in media SECTIONS Share Synopsis The amendments proposed making indecent portrayal of women on Internet, OTTs, WhatsApp and Instagram punishable with a fine of ₹2 lakh and a prison term of up to three years. The original law, enacted in 1986, relates primarily to the print media and vulgar portrayal of women in advertisements, books and paintings, and has a prison term of up to two years and a fine of ₹2,000. Agencies The government has decided to withdraw the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2012, saying the new IT rules and the home ministry’s cyber portal are already addressing the issues, making online spaces safer for women.