In Bharat (India), sex work is not **explicitly illegal**, but it's governed by several laws.

 Recent interpretations and developments in Indian law, particularly from the **Supreme Court**, have emphasized **protection of the rights and dignity of sex workers**.

### 🔷 Key Rights of a Prostitute under Indian Law (As per Recent Legal Framework):

#### 1. **Right to Live with Dignity**

- **Article 21 of the Constitution** guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. This includes the right to live with dignity.

- The **Supreme Court in May 2022** (Justice L. Nageswara Rao bench) ruled that sex workers are **entitled to dignity and equal protection under the law**, like any other citizen.

#### 2. **Right to Voluntary Sex Work**

- **Sex work by consenting adults is NOT a crime**.

- However, **running brothels, soliciting in public places, or trafficking women** are criminal offenses under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA).

#### 3. **Right Against Police Harassment**

- Police **cannot harass sex workers** who are working voluntarily.

- The 2022 SC ruling mandates that the **police must treat sex workers with dignity** and **avoid arbitrary detention or violence**.

#### 4. **Right to Health and Social Services**

- Sex workers are entitled to **access healthcare**, especially for **HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment**, without discrimination.

- They have the right to **government welfare schemes** and **rehabilitation programs** if they choose to leave the profession.

#### 5. **Right to Legal Protection**

- They can file **complaints of sexual assault or violence**.

- Law enforcement agencies are required to **register FIRs** in cases of rape or assault, without bias.

#### 6. **Right to Privacy**

- Like all citizens, sex workers have the **right to privacy**, and their identities should not be revealed in legal proceedings or media coverage.

#### 7. **Right to Custody of Children**

- A sex worker cannot be **denied custody of her child** merely on the basis of her profession.

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### ⚖️ Key Legal Provisions Applicable:

| Law | Relevance |

|-----|-----------|

| **ITPA, 1956** | Regulates and penalizes trafficking, running brothels, soliciting clients in public. |

| **Indian Penal Code (IPC)** | Sections like 370 (trafficking), 375 (rape), 376 (sexual assault), and others apply. |

| **Constitution of India** | Article 14 (Equality), Article 19 (Freedom), Article 21 (Right to life and dignity). |

| **SC Guidelines 2022** | Clarifies rights of voluntary sex workers and police conduct. |

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### ✅ What Is **Allowed**?

- **Voluntary sex work in private spaces.**

- Forming **unions or collectives**.

- Seeking **legal protection** from abuse or exploitation.

### ❌ What Is **Prohibited**?

- **Running a brothel (even with consent)**.

- **Soliciting** clients in public places.

- **Pimping, trafficking**, or forcing someone into sex work.

- **Employing minors** in sex work (strictly punishable).

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