In force · As amended up to 2026-08
4. Prohibition of publication or sending by post of books, pamphlets, etc., containing indecent — representation of women. No person shall produce or cause to be produced, sell, let to hire, distribute, circulate or send by post any book, pamphlet, paper, slide, film, writing, drawing, painting, photograph, representation or figure which contains indecent representation of women in any form:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to—
(a) any book, pamphlet, paper, slide, film, writing, drawing, painting, photograph, representation or figure—
(i) the publication of which is proved to be justified as being for the public good on the ground that such book, pamphlet, paper, slide, film, writing, drawing, painting, photograph, representation or figure is in the interest of science, literature, art, or learning or other objects of general concern; or
(ii) which is kept or used bona fide for religious purposes;
1. The words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and the Fifth Schedule (w.e.f. 31-10- 2019).
(ii) any temple, or on any car used for the conveyance of idols, or kept or used for any religious purpose;
(c) any film in respect of which the provisions of Part II of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952), will be applicable.
Source: India Code