Page 105 - KDU Law Journal Volume 4 Issue 2

Volume 04 Issue II
September, 2024
KDU Law Journal ISSN 2783 - 8870
General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka

A Study on the Sex Workers’ Movement:
Looking beyond Indian Legislation

Akhilesh Kumar *
Abstract
Sex work, involving the provision of sexual services in exchange for
payment, is a prevalent practice in India. Despite being a signatory to
numerous global agreements on women’s rights and having legislation
prohibiting gender discrimination and abuse, India has failed to adequately
safeguard the human rights of females, particularly those engaged in sex
work. This paper explores the diverse nature of sex work in India, examining
three distinct urban zones and challenging the inaccurate stereotype that
portrays sex workers solely as oppressed victims. The paper delves into
the legal landscape surrounding sex work in India, analysing the rights of
sex workers and detailing the various legal provisions applicable to them.
Historically, sex workers and their children have been among the most
marginalized and neglected groups in society. However, recent attention
from the Supreme Court has shed light on their plight, offering them the
much-needed recognition they deserve. This article aims to illuminate the
status of prostitution in India by scrutinizing pivotal judicial decisions that
have shaped the legal framework surrounding sex work over time.

Keywords: Sex work, prostitution, legal rights, exploitation, women’s
rights.

* LL.M. (SRM), B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) (SRM), Ph.D. Research Scholar, The University of
Burdwan, India.
law.faculty@kdu.ac.lk
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