On March7th 2025 , the Government of Maharashtra has introduced a significant legislative measure aimed at curbing advertisements and billboards that may incite violence or promote sexual offenses. The Maharashtra Prohibition of Advertisements and Billboards Inciting Violence and Sexual Offenses Bill, 2025 was tabled in the state’s assembly on March 7, 2025, marking a bold step towards controlling harmful content in public displays across the state.
The bill applies to the entire state of Maharashtra and includes strict measures for banning advertisements containing content that could provoke violent behavior or sexual offenses. According to the bill, any advertisements, be it text, images, or gestures, which have the potential to provoke harmful emotions or influence individuals negatively, will be prohibited. This includes commercial displays on billboards, in newspapers, magazines, and other public platforms.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Broad Scope: The bill mandates that any advertisement or public display, whether in print, online, or physical forms like billboards, that contains content which could incite violence or sexual behavior is prohibited in Maharashtra.
Content Restrictions: Specifically, advertisements that include gestures or images promoting deadly weapons like pistols, guns, knives, and spears, as well as content that objectifies women or promotes sexual crimes, are considered unlawful. This includes images that could provoke criminal behaviors such as murder, robbery, and sexual offenses.
Public Displays and Commercial Purposes: The restrictions apply to all forms of commercial advertisements, including in magazines, periodicals, and physical displays such as hoardings or billboards. Content deemed as promoting sexual crimes, including the sexual objectification of women, will be strictly prohibited.
Enforcement and Penalties: The bill lays down clear penalties for those who engage in the creation, distribution, or public exhibition of such advertisements. Those found violating the law, either by distributing prohibited content or profiting from it, could face severe legal consequences.
Scope of the Bill: The bill will extend to all forms of media and advertising, targeting the harmful influence of content in public spaces. Businesses involved in the manufacture, sale, or distribution of such materials will be held accountable, particularly if they knowingly engage in the dissemination of prohibited content.
Implementation: The law will come into force once notified by the State Government in the official Gazette, with a detailed timeline yet to be set. The bill emphasizes the urgency of controlling the spread of harmful advertisements to protect public safety and moral integrity.
Objective Behind the Bill
The introduction of the bill comes as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to create a safer and more responsible advertising environment. The government noted that current legal measures were insufficient to tackle the growing concerns about harmful advertisements. These ads not only incite violence but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to sexual offenses, especially against women.
The bill has been introduced as a step towards creating a more responsible advertising environment that prioritizes public safety and social ethics. As the bill moves through legislative processes, it is expected to stir debates on the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of citizens from harmful content.
This initiative by the Maharashtra government reflects its commitment to fostering a safer and more accountable media landscape, aligning with the broader national goals of gender equality and public safety.
