On Wednesday, the Supreme Court recognised sex work as a “profession”. As per sources, it also directed police officials to neither interfere nor take criminal action against adult and consenting sex workers.
Supreme Court’s order said that sex workers are “entitled to dignity and equal protection under the law”, under Article 21 of the Constitution. Headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao, the three-judge bench gave the order and invoked “special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution”.
Running Brother Is Illegal, Not Voluntary Sex Work
The court also noted that voluntary sex work is not illegal but running a brothel is, and hence, “sex workers should not be arrested or penalised or harassed or victimised” during raids.
Sex Worker’s Child Can’t Be Separated From Her Solely On Ground Of Profession
The court also noted that a sex worker’s child cannot be separated from her solely on the ground of their mother’s profession. It also pointed out that the minors living in brothels can be tested to “determine” if they are actually the child of the sex worker, rather than just assuming that they were “trafficked”.
Police Can’t Discriminate Against Sex Workers
As per the reports, the court said that sex workers cannot be discriminated against by police officials when they “lodge a criminal complaint, especially if the offence committed against them is of a sexual nature”. Sex workers should be provided medico-legal care and the police should be sensitised towards them, said the court.
Police Can’t Reveal The Identities Of Sex Workers In Media
The apex court also ordered the police to not “reveal the identities of sex workers” in front of the media. Live Law reported, “The Press Council of India has been directed to issue appropriate guidelines in this regard.”
Sex Work Is Not An Offence
According to the court, what the sex workers do for their “health and safety” cannot be “construed as an offence”, said a report in Live Law, citing the example of using a condom. The court ordered workshops to be held for sex workers to make them aware of their rights.
Many across the internet celebrated the Supreme Court’s directions
No verbal ,No physical abuse.
Everyone Deserves Respect♥️ #SexWorkers#SupremeCourtofIndia is the real badass boss💥💥— Rishabh Thakur (@rishiithakur64) May 26, 2022
Police must not not physically or verbally abuse sex workers, says Supreme Court. And nor should society at large. Let’s stop using related words as abuse against women. #sexworkers https://t.co/6cgajo9suW
— Bharati Chaturvedi (@Bharati09) May 25, 2022
Apna India badal raha hai . sahi chal raha hai..
— Santosh (@SantoshRN7) May 26, 2022
That will help to save Sex Workers from Police extortion and Torcher.
— Be Wise and Humble (@LetMePutASmile) May 26, 2022
I feel pity for these poor ladies.I hope the law will help them to live a life of dignity.
— Samriddhiseeker1 (@Samriddhi0197) May 26, 2022
I feel pity for these poor ladies.I hope the law will help them to live a life of dignity.
— Samriddhiseeker1 (@Samriddhi0197) May 26, 2022
Good decision..
— Akshay (@KPSoBo) May 26, 2022
In my opinion it’s very bold and good decision.
— Faizal kaif (@kaif_faizal) May 26, 2022
Maximum people want paid sex but they can’t admit it . It’s also should be regulated and impose tax on high earning prostitute .
I know many people boasts about our past culture, bla bla bla ,
But they need to learn past first.
Good step,we live in a society where so much worst things, sex workers are even better than croupt people, everyone should be treated with dignity.
— Bijender Mani tripathi (@MBijender) May 26, 2022
Very Bold Decision ..
— Rii Sounab (RS) (@mesounab) May 26, 2022
Bravo Supreme Court …
But, there were some who weren’t very happy with the decision:
this is bad move considering our country still has innocent people forced to prostitution
— johnny (@johnnydeep98) May 26, 2022
What a shame!
— Kishore Patari (@KishorePatari5) May 26, 2022
At IFORHER, we are so proud of Supreme Court for taking such a progressive step. We hope society would also stop shaming sex workers and give them the respect they deserve!