You might have seen people openly talk about red-light areas in India, but did you know that there are no specific laws stating that such areas are illegal? Yes, that’s pretty much the case, even in 2024. But why’s that? Well, let’s talk about that, shall we?
So, What Are The Laws In Place Regarding Prostitution’s Legal Status in India?
Prostitution isn’t actually illegal in India, which simply means individuals can legally exchange sexual services for money without facing legal consequences. However, there are some restrictions on certain related activities that are illegal. Like what? Well, the law doesn’t allow a brothel where multiple sex workers work together, and it doesn’t allow a pimp who takes money from the women he controls. You also can not ask out clients in public places, but usually, you see that happen, just so you know, it is a crime for sure. These laws have been made to prevent the exploitation and trafficking of women and to keep public areas clean and secure.
And that’s the very reason why Red Light areas in the country are kinda legal and there are no serious actions taken against them, but if such activities are carried out in a public place, like a hotel or anywhere like that, then there could be legal action taken against everyone involved, even the women. Yes, that’s why you often see police raiding some places where the sex work thing is going on, and the only reason why they get raided is because the place where they are doing such activity is considered a public place. That’s all.
What Does the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act Say About All This?
The ITPA aka the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act of 1956, is actually the main legal framework that deals with prostitution in India. Just so you know, the law focuses on stopping the trafficking of women and girls and their exploitation. The ITPA provides for the criminalization of prostitution by punishing brothel keeping, pimping as well as public soliciting. Because the law seeks to arrest and prevent these illicit activities, the police are empowered to act against people who violate the provisions of the law and to give assistance to those who were denied freedom of choice to exercise their sexual privacy. But yes, in 1986 the law was changed to make it stricter, and later on, there were plans to soften the provisions for women and punish those involved in their exploitation more severely.
