“Prostitution in India : it’s high time to legalize it”

-Akanksha

ABSTRACT
Prostitution is a contentious issue in India, and it has been a subject of intense debate and discussion for several
decades. Despite its widespread existence, prostitution remains illegal in India, and sex workers face constant
harassment, violence, and social stigma. The current legal framework only exacerbates the problems faced by sex
workers, forcing them to operate in unsafe environments and depriving them of access to basic rights and
protections. Recognizing the reality of prostitution in India and legalizing it could help to ensure that sex workers
are afforded the same rights and protections as other workers. This could include access to healthcare, social
services, and legal protections against exploitation and abuse. Moreover, legalization could help to destigmatize
prostitution and reduce the social and economic barriers that prevent sex workers from leaving the industry.

However, legalizing prostitution in India is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the social,
cultural, and economic factors at play. It is critical to involve sex workers and their organizations in the decision-
making process and ensure that their voices are heard. Additionally, any legal framework for prostitution must be
accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of the industry, including poverty, gender inequality, and lack of
access to education and economic opportunities. In a country like India, where moral policing serves as an idea
behind banning prostitution in India . Linking prostitution with morality cannot be according to legal principle,
morality is a personal choice of an individual and an intimate matter of a person, therefore the idea of “ moral
policing” seems inappropriate in modern society. In conclusion, recognizing prostitution in India and legalizing it
could bring about positive change for sex workers, their families, and society as a whole. However, it is crucial to
approach this issue with sensitivity, empathy, and an understanding of the complex social and cultural dynamics at
play.

Keywords- prostitution, legalisation, sex workers, morality, rights .