Viewing pornography in the state assembly- is this what we voted for?
By Ranjani Raghunathan – Intern, Media & Communication Division
The recent uproar over the three BJP ministers in the Karnataka state assembly watching pornographic clips during assembly proceedings causes one to look closely at the issue of cyber pornography, and its legal as well as social implications.
While Indian statutes do not use the term ‘pornography’, the word ‘obscenity’ appears in Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as in Section 67 of the IT Act. Both these statutes essentially anything that is (a) lascivious (excites lust) or (b) appeals to the prurient interest (characterized by lustful thoughts) or, (c) if its effect is to deprave and corrupt persons would be considered to be ‘obscene’.
It needs to be noted that while watching pornography is not illegal in India, the fact that the ministers were watching it during assembly proceedings, is a clear violation of the trust and faith put in them by the electorate. What appears hypocritical is that while our political leaders often give commentaries on morality, and the so called ‘ill effects’ of Westernization, they themselves engage in activities which are far from moral, especially since this particular incident occurred within a public domain. Many of our politicians often speak for women’s rights and furthering the causes pertaining to women on a public forum, but this episode is a clear display of the prevailing negative attitude towards women. What is even more glaring about this particular incident is that one of the leaders was the Minister for Women and Child Development, Mr. C.C. Patil, who had earlier this year made a comment on women dressing less provocatively, so as to remain ‘safe’.
It is to be noted that these ministers resigned immediately, once the matter was brought to notice. However, their acts shouldn’t be forgotten so easily, and they should be punished for their actions, so that political leaders understand the sanctity of their powerful position and learn to behave in a responsible manner.
