Sex work is now legal in India: Important statements by Supreme Court

Date:

In a significant order, the Supreme Court recognised prostitution as a profession and said that sex workers are entitled to dignity and equal protection under the law. The Supreme Court asked the police not to interfere or take criminal action against consenting sex workers.

The sex industry is not pandemic-proof': workers in Australia faced with  impossible choices | Sex work | The Guardian

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea highlighting the destitution faced by sex workers on account of Covid-19 pandemic and sought relief measures for over nine lakh women and transgender sex workers across India.

The Supreme Court in its order stated “voluntary sex work is not illegal”. A three-judge Bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao also issued directions for safeguarding the rights and dignity of sex workers.

I'm a Toronto sex worker: Here's why I find my job empowering | The  Passionate Eye

Important Statements by Supreme Court

✅ Sex workers are entitled to equal protection of the law. Criminal law must apply equally in all cases, on the basis of age and consent.

✅ When a sex worker makes a complaint of criminal, sexual, or any other type of offence, the police must take it seriously and act in accordance with law.

✅ Whenever there is a raid on any brothel, since voluntary sex work is not illegal and only running the brothel is unlawful, the sex workers concerned should not be arrested or penalised, harassed, or victimised.

✅ Governments must involve the sex workers and/or their representatives in all decision-making processes, including planning, designing, and implementing any policy or programme for the sex workers or formulating any reform in the laws relating to sex work.

✅ No child of a sex worker should be separated from the mother merely on the ground that she is in the sex trade.

✅ The Court directed that media should not publish their pictures or reveal their identity while reporting rescue operations and stated that the offence of voyeurism under Section 354C of the Indian Penal Code should be enforced if media publishes the pictures of sex workers with their clients.

✅ Any sex worker who is a victim of sexual assault should be provided with all facilities available to a survivor of sexual assault, including immediate medical assistance

✅ Police should treat all sex workers with dignity and should not abuse them, both verbally and physically, subject them to violence, or coerce them into any sexual activity.

✅ Measures that sex workers employ for their health and safety (e.g., use of condoms, etc.)must neither be construed as offences nor seen as evidence of commission of an offence.

✅ The government should carry out workshops for educating sex workers about their rights vis-a-vis the legality of sex work, rights, and obligations of the police and what is permitted or prohibited under the law.

━ related

IPL Winners List: A Look at the Champions Over the Years

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed numerous exhilarating seasons, each culminating in the crowning of a champion. Take a trip down memory lane as we explore the IPL winners list, highlighting the teams that have emerged victorious in this prestigious T20 cricket tournament. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the IPL has showcased some unforgettable moments that have etched themselves into cricketing history.

IPL Schedule 2023: Time Table, Venues, Groups, and Teams Announced

The eagerly anticipated schedule for the IPL 2023 has been released, revealing the time table, venues, groups, and teams participating in the tournament. Cricket enthusiasts can now plan their calendars as the IPL gears up to showcase thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and exceptional cricketing talent. The announcement has generated excitement among fans worldwide, as they eagerly await the start of this highly anticipated sporting event.

Brazil, Top Chicken Exporter, Reports Avian Flu Cases in Wild Birds for the First Time

Brazil, the world's leading exporter of chicken, has confirmed its first-ever cases of avian flu in wild birds. The detection of avian flu in these birds raises concerns about the potential impact on the country's poultry industry and highlights the need for stringent measures to prevent further spread of the disease. The Brazilian authorities are taking swift action to contain the outbreak and protect the poultry sector, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy.

India and Bangladesh Launch Exchange Programme for 50 Start-ups

India and Bangladesh have jointly initiated a program to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between start-ups in both countries. The launch of this exchange programme aims to facilitate the growth and development of 50 start-ups by providing them with opportunities for networking, mentorship, and access to resources in each other's ecosystems. This bilateral initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to promote entrepreneurship and innovation for mutual economic growth.

India and Indonesia Hold Bilateral Naval Exercise “Samudra Shakti-23”

India and Indonesia recently conducted a bilateral naval exercise named "Samudra Shakti-23" to enhance maritime cooperation and strengthen naval ties between the two countries. The exercise involved various naval drills and maneuvers aimed at promoting interoperability and sharing best practices in maritime security. This joint exercise signifies the commitment of both nations to maintain peace, stability, and security in the region.