Supreme Court Recognises Sex Work as a profession in a historic decision

The Supreme Court has given a new  direction in the country’s landmark judgement on prostitution. They stated unequivocally that the police cannot intervene in this matter, and that no action can be taken against sex workers who work with consent. In its ruling, the Supreme Court stated that sex workers are entitled to respect and equality under the law.

Supreme Court Directions on sex workers Issue 

Six instructions were issued by a three-judge bench led by Justice L Nageswara Rao to protect the rights of sex workers. 

• Sex workers are entitled to equal protection under the law.
• On the basis of age and consent, Criminal law must apply equally in all circumstances.
• The authorities must refrain from interfering or taking any criminal action when it is evident that the sex worker is an adult who is participating with consent.
• The bench went on to say that sex workers should not be jailed, penalised, harassed, or victimised as a result of brothel raids because voluntary sex work is not illegal, but only running the brothel is illegal.
• Cops should not discriminate against sex workers who file a complaint. Sex workers who have been sexually assaulted should be given proper legal aid.
• “On the grounds that she is in the sex worker,” a sex worker’s child should not be taken away from her mother’s care.

Supreme Court’s Appeals  Media to be professional in reporting news on sex workers

The court has asked the Press Council of India to issue guidelines for reporting on sex worker cases. So that sex workers’ identities are not revealed during an arrest or raid. 

“Utmost care not to divulge the identity of sex workers, whether as victims or accused, during arrest, raid, and rescue operations and not to print or telecast any images that would result in disclosure of such identities,” the apex court added.