The growing influence of the Internet and digital media in India has made it easier than ever for people to access pornographic content. But, do you know that watching pornographic content is a crime? The biggest thing is that if you watch a particular type of pornographic content, you can also be punished. Let us tell you in detail about the law related to this.
What does Indian law say
The law regarding pornographic content in India is a bit complicated. Actually, according to Indian laws, it is illegal to produce, distribute and trade pornographic content. But, as far as watching pornographic content privately is concerned, it has not been clearly declared illegal. That is, if you watch pornographic content privately, you cannot be jailed. However, this is not the case in every case. In some cases, you can be jailed even for viewing pornographic content personally.
First understand under which section action is taken
If you produce, distribute and trade pornographic content, then there is a provision of punishment under Section 67, 67A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000) and Section 292, 293, 294, 500, 506 and 509 of the IPC. Actually, there are strict rules regarding the publication, broadcasting and distribution of pornographic content on electronic media.
Under Section 67A, there is a provision of severe punishment for broadcasting, publishing or trading pornographic content. If found guilty under this law, you can be sentenced to 5 years and fined up to Rs 10 lakh. If you commit a similar crime for the second time, you can be sentenced to 7 years in prison and fined up to Rs 10 lakh.
There is jail for watching such pornographic content
If you watch pornographic content that is related to children, you can be jailed. In fact, apart from broadcasting, publishing or trading pornographic content related to children, watching it privately is also a crime. If you do this, a case can be registered against you under POCSO Act 2012 and IT Act 2000. If you are found guilty, you can be sentenced to 5 to 7 years in prison and you can also be fined heavily.
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