Between Survival And Slavery: Legal Silences, Socio-Economic Marginalization, And The Exploitation Of Beggars In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 27
- 1 min read
Mr. Ashish Jadhav, Academician
Ms. Raksha Sharma, Student, MATS University Raipur
ABSTRACT
Begging in India continues to be an intricate socio-legal problem that is deeply rooted in structural poverty, displacement, disability, and exploitation. As much as there are various legislations that aim to control or eliminate begging, a significant part of beggars is trapped not only in poverty but also within organized criminal organizations referred to as beggar mafias. These mafias systematically exploit the vulnerable, usually through coercion, trafficking, and violence, underlining the deep inadequacy of merely criminalizing them. This paper critically analyzes the legislative regime regulating begging in India, with its implications, including the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 and judicial interventions relevant to it that have challenged criminalization of begging. It delves into the tough realities encountered by beggars, law enforcement agency apathy or complicity, and systemic failures to address the cause. In addition, it examines the complex interface between beggar mafias and certain players in the police system, uncovering the overlapping boundaries of protection and exploitation. The State role, its constitutional obligations, and its frequently fractured and penalized responses are examined. Through a human rights-based framework, this paper makes the case for shifting the paradigm away from punitive measures towards holistic rehabilitation, anti- trafficking law enforcement, and social reintegration. From a multidisciplinary perspective, the research urges for strong legal reforms, robust institutional mechanisms, and active public engagement to uproot beggar mafias and reclaim dignity for one of India's most downtrodden groups.
