NEW DELHI: Television channels are proposed to be brought under the ambit of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986.

The act currently does not cover electronic media. The act as it currently stands prohibits indecent representation of women through advertisements or in publications, writings or paintings and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Officials in the Women and Child Development Ministry, who did not want to be identified, told indiantelevision.com that the ministry is also proposing to enhance the penal provisions in the act.

The officials clarified that the move to amend the act had nothing to do with the recent incident of gang-rape in New Delhi and the resultant death of the victim.

The officials said the proposed amendments were approved by the Cabinet much earlier for being moved in Parliament as an amendment to the act.