They say prostitution is the oldest profession in the world. And yet, this profession and the women who practice it are looked down upon, shunned and ostracised from 'polite' society. Now the Supreme Court in India has said that sex work is now to be recognised as work. It is now legal work and those plying this trade will no longer be penalised for it. This is a win for sex workers who had been agitating to be recognised as workers legally and without harassment from police.
"Notwithstanding the profession, every individual in this country has a right to a dignified life under Article 21," said the court. The court also directed that police should treat sex workers with dignity and refrain from abusing them in any manner. The publishing of pictures of sex workers and their clients during raid or rescue operations is also henceforth not to be permitted.
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