INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Every society has dealt with sex work and sex workers in their own unique way. Since the conception of marriage, prostitution has been in Indian society and is as old as civilization itself. Rigveda is the ancient literature which talks about prostitution.[1] Prostitution means using a human body for sexual satisfaction. Prostitutes can be male or female. But majority of time, female are more involved in this profession. It is causing the state and society to become increasingly concerned and anxious. The issue has existed in human societies since ancient times. Prostitution is now often associated with violence, prejudice, and exploitation. In Indian society, prostitution is frequently regarded as taboo, hence the necessary attention has not been given to its regulation. There is direct relationship between prostitution, exploitation and violence. Human Trafficking is a broad term and prostitution is part of that.
- Ramswamy J. stated in Gaurav Jain v. Union of India: Prostitution in society has not been an unknown phenomenon. The trap’s victims are poor, illiterate, and ignorant members of society who are the target group for the flesh trade; rich communities exploit them and profit from their misery.According to an NHRC report on missing children, “about 200 girls and women enter prostitution daily, with 20% being under the age of 15.” Prostitution is a part of human trafficking .Or it can be said that human trafficking is a broader term which include prostitution.[2]
There are certain countries in which prostitution is allowed like Australia. Prostitution is neither expressly forbidden nor strictly controlled in India. Therefore, regulation of prostitution and brothels will therefore aid in reducing this threat. Prostitutes have lack of access to justice. They are being considered as stigma in the society. They are being denied of basic human facilities that are there with every individual in order to live a dignified life. Mostly females are involved in the profession of prostitution and there are various instances of harassment of these prostitutes by police. Some people believe that concept of prostitution is against women empowerment.[3]
[1]Abraham Shailaja, GOING NOWHERE: TRAFFICKING OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE ,Domlnant Publishers and Distributors, Delhi, 7TH ,2001,pp.56-59
[2]Carns, Donald E., Talking About Sex : Notes on first Coitus and the Double Sexual Standard, Journal of Marriage and The Family , 35 (193), pp.677-688
[3] Scott Anderson, “Prostitution and Sexual Autonomy: Making Sense of prohibition on Prostitution”, JOURNAL OF LAW AND SOCIETY, Vol.112, No.4, 2012, pp.748-78