Murder, rape and theft apart, policemen in Gujarat now have other things to worry about. Like how much skin show is too much and whether Mallika Sherawat kissing a co-star offends sensibilities.In an unusual move, the Narendra Modi government has decided to give the Home Department the power to take punitive action against those printing, exhibiting, renting or selling obscene advertisements, photographs and posters in the state. The decision was taken at the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.Government spokesman I.K. Jadeja said the police would be empowered to register an offence suo motu and initiate action against anyone — including newspapers — printing and displaying obscene ads, photographs and posters.Several newspapers in the state bring out ‘‘Hollywood-Bollywood’’ pullouts with ‘‘obscene pictures of actors, actresses and models’’, Jadeja said. ‘‘This must be discouraged, as the trend is not in keeping with Indian culture,’’ he added.‘‘Since the departments handling the issue could not effectively implement laws within their respective jurisdiction and act against offenders, the government decided to vest powers in the Home Department,’’ he said.The General Administration Department will soon issue a notification giving the police their new powers. Minister of State for Home Amit Shah said the Home Department will prepare rules to implement the decision.‘‘Sections 292 and 293 of the IPC provide for two years’ imprisonment and a penalty of Rs 2,000 for the first offence registered against ‘obscene writings’ and for the second offence, a five-year imprisonment and penalty of Rs 5,000,’’ Shah said.
