Supreme Court Call For Rehabilitation Framework for Sex Trafficking Victims

Prajwala, the petitioner, filed an application in a 2004 case, highlighting the government’s failure to implement a 2015 Supreme Court order to create a framework for sex trafficking victims.

The petitioner, represented by Senior Advocate Aparna Bhat, called for comprehensive legislation after the 2018 Trafficking Bill lapsed, citing the absence of an Organized Crime Investigative Agency (OCIA) and inadequate anti-trafficking laws.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the government, pointed to provisions in the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) for addressing sex trafficking crimes.

The Supreme Court reserved its verdict and requested recommendations to improve victim rehabilitation and strengthen anti-trafficking efforts.