Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act 1976: What It Covers, Who It Targets, and Why It’s Still Enforced
The Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act, 1976, was brought in during India’s Emergency period to curb harmful, dangerous, or seditious content from being printed and spread. It’s a short law, but it gives sweeping powers to the police to stop the publication of materials they consider objectionable, even before they’re published.
If you’re looking for a full, plain-English breakdown of this law—what it says, how it works, who it targets, and what penalties it carries—this article gives you the complete picture, in simple terms.
What the Act Says and Who It Applies To
The main purpose of this Act is to prevent the printing and publication of content that can:
- Threaten public order
- Spread hatred between groups
- Promote enmity on the grounds of religion, race, or language
- Undermine the sovereignty or integrity of India
It doesn’t just punish people after they print something. It also allows the police to act preemptively, which makes this law more about prevention than prosecution.
The law applies to:
- Printers
- Publishers
- Newspaper owners
- Editors
- Any person responsible for the printing or publishing of material
It applies to both registered publications and those operating without registration.
What Counts as “Objectionable Matter” Under This Law
The law defines “objectionable matter” in very broad terms, which has drawn criticism for its potential misuse. Here’s what it covers:
- Anything that can incite violence or disturb peace
- Content that can insult or harm the religious feelings of any group
- Material that attempts to bring the government into hatred or contempt
- Publications that may hurt the sovereignty and integrity of India
- Writings that encourage people to commit offences against the state
Because these categories are so open-ended, they give authorities wide discretion over what they consider dangerous.
What the Law Allows Police and Authorities to Do
One of the most significant features of this law is the power it gives to the police. If a District Magistrate or a Commissioner of Police believes that someone is about to print objectionable matter, they can:
- Demand security (money) from the printer/publisher as a kind of legal deposit
- Seize and forfeit printed copies or even printing equipment
- Stop publication altogether
- Arrest the person responsible, even before anything is published
And if someone refuses to pay the required security amount, their press or publication can be shut down entirely.
Key Punishments and Penalties Under the Act
The Act imposes strict penalties. Here’s what you’re looking at if found guilty:
- Imprisonment of up to 2 years
- Fines (amount left to the court’s discretion)
- Seizure of printed material
- Shutting down the printing press
And it’s not just about money or jail time. Having a case under this Act on your record can seriously affect your ability to operate a publication or printing business legally.
How the Act Has Been Used (and Misused) Over the Years
While the law was originally intended to keep communal hatred and violence-inducing material off the streets, it’s also been criticised for being vague and open to political misuse.
Cases have been reported where:
- Journalists and editors were threatened or booked under this law for reporting uncomfortable truths.
- Activists and writers have faced action for publishing views critical of government policies.
- Small publications were targeted with fines and seizures for minor errors or unintentional content.
Because the law allows for pre-censorship and arrest before publishing, it’s seen by many legal experts as a tool that can be easily abused.
Why This 1976 Law Still Exists and What It Means Today
Even though it was passed during the Emergency—a period known for harsh censorship and limits on press freedom—the Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act is still on the books. It has not been repealed.
That means in 2025, the government still has the power to:
- Pre-screen content
- Demand deposits before publication
- Block materials, even before they’re shared with the public
With today’s fast-moving media landscape and the rise of digital outlets, some argue the law is outdated. Others say it could be used more aggressively to handle modern challenges like fake news, online hate speech, and violent propaganda.
What You Should Take Away From This
If you’re in any way connected to publishing, journalism, activism, or even printing flyers or pamphlets, you need to know this law exists.
The Prevention of Publication of Objectionable Matter Act, 1976, is still valid law. It gives the police and administration wide powers to stop content, punish people involved, and seize materials, even before publication.
It’s a powerful tool that sits at the edge of censorship and safety. And knowing what it allows—and how it’s been used—is critical for anyone working with printed or digital public communication.
