RECOGNISING PROSTITUTION AS A PROFESSION AND PROTECTING ITS DIGNITY UNDER ARTICLE 21 OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION​

In a culture where patriarchal traditions are strongly upheld, the question of whether or not sex work (including prostitution) should be recognised as a career remains contentious. Every time it’s used, the phrase “prostitution” conjures up all the negative connotations that go along with it. Efforts to respect, protect, uphold, and promote the rights of sex workers must be based on their status as individuals and citizens with rights guaranteed by the Constitution, which has received increased attention in recent years due to a growing debate on the topic at both the international and domestic levels. The Supreme Court of India has also issued guidelines to help sex workers live with respect in the country. In the first section of this study, we see that prostitution has long been an integral part of Indian culture. After that, a discussion of the constitutional protections that safeguard the rights of sex workers is provided, and finally, the myths and realities that surround prostitution are discussed. Policymaking strategy recommendations are provided in the last section of the study report.