The Rehabilitation Of Sex Workers In India With A Special Emphasis Upon The Right To Life Of An Individual Under Article 21 Of The Indian Constitution
Akshay Krishna P, Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur
ABSTRACT
This paper deals with prostitution as an industry in India while also talking about the relevance of voluntary sexual exchanges in the Indian context. This paper hopes to provide clarity with regards to the world of sex work in India, its implications on society, the treatment of sex workers and the implications of this treatment upon their personal lives. This paper also goes into great detail about the previous actions of the judiciary with regards to sex work and contrasts the previous stand of the judiciary with the most recent judgement regarding sex work. The paper also goes into detail about rehabilitation of sex workers and the protections afforded to them, the social stigma associated with sex work in India and the steps that the government has taken to address the same. The author has also provided suggestions to improve the plight of sex workers in India and has made it a point to talk specifically of the right to life and liberty that has been guaranteed to every citizen of India, including sex workers. The author, however, has attacked only involuntary sex work and sex work that has been perpetuated as a result of societal conditions. The author firmly believes that sex work is legal work if it is consensual and is in the individual capacity of the prostitute concerned and is free from third party interference. The author firmly believes that there there must be no discrimination meted out to sex workers and their families as article 14 of the constitution of India mandates equality before law and equal protection of laws. In addition to this, article 21 ensures that every person has the right to a dignified life and this is something that the author deeply believes in. Effective methods for rehabilitation of sex workers as well as the reasons for sex work are highlighted in this paper and the author hopes to provide the reader with an empathetic and realistic view of sex work in India and hopefully ensure a positive change in the lives of these sex workers.
