NCJ Number
65838
Date Published
1973
Length
28 pages
Annotation
STATISTICS ON ENFORCEMENT OF INDIA'S ANTIPROSTITUTION LAW ARE PRESENTED FOR 1965-69.
Abstract
THE SUPPRESSION OF IMMORAL TRAFFIC ACT, PASSED BY THE INDIAN PARLIAMENT IN 1958, PROVIDES PENALTIES FOR A NUMBER OF OFFENSES RELATED TO PROSTITUTION. THE ACT ALSO PROVIDES FOR SPECIAL ADVISORY BODIES AND POLICE OFFICERS TO AID IN ENFORCEMENT, AND FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF PROTECTIVE HOMES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF PROSTITUTES. THE REPORT INCLUDES A NARRATIVE SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ENFORCEMENT OF THE ACT, PLUS 13 TABLES SHOWING DETAILS ON ARRESTS AND DISPOSITIONS FOR 10 INDIAN STATES. THE SUMMARY NOTES THAT, DURING THE 1965-69 PERIOD, THERE WAS A 17.8 PERCENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ARRESTED ON PROSTITUTION-RELATED CHARGES, BUT A 10 PERCENT DECLINE IN THE RATE OF PROSECUTION. THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD, ABOUT 58 PERCENT OF PERSONS TRIED WERE SENTENCED TO PAY A FINE, 15 PERCENT WERE DISCHARGED OR ACQUITTED, AND 15 PERCENT WERE SENTENCED TO PRISON. ABOUT 78 PERCENT OF ALL PERSONS ARRESTED UNDER THE ACT WERE CHARGED WITH SEDUCING OR SOLICITING. IN GENERAL, THERE WAS A SHARP DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF WOMEN BROUGHT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PROTECTIVE HOMES DURING THE PERIOD.