The social status of prostitutes in India is marred by stigmatisation, marginalisation, and pervasive discrimination. Women often find themselves coerced into prostitution due to a confluence of adverse circumstances, including abject poverty, lack of education, and predatory trafficking networks. Many are deceived by promises of legitimate employment, only to be thrust into the abyss of sexual exploitation.
This judgment must be contextualised within the broader societal milieu that fosters such exploitation. The pervasive stigma attached to prostitution further alienates these women, exacerbating their vulnerability and limiting their avenues for escape and rehabilitation. Thus, the Court’s decision, while a legal triumph, also underscores the need for a more holistic approach to addressing the systemic issues that entrap women in cycles of exploitation.
Source: Barandbench
