ANALYSING THE LEGAL STATUS OF PROSTITUTION IN INDIA UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC
Diya Parvati K.P, Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad.
ABSTRACT
Prostitution is a profession that dates back to the oldest days of society, which is not acknowledged enough even after centuries. It can be understood as the Act of providing sexual favors for commercial gains. However, what goes unsaid is the closely associated helplessness, marginalization, and oppression they face while earning a livelihood. The status of legislative attention given to an issue reflects the state of progress of the subject under consideration. The shame and stigma associated with even the name of prostitution prevent it from receiving the legislative aids, medical care, and acceptance in the society that it deserves. The legal status of prostitution in India is vague and ambiguous. Despite having an ideal objective of regulating the sex worker's exploitation, the ambiguity in law created a paradoxical effect of increased exploitation. Moreover, the debates concerning the legalization of prostitution overshadow the sex worker's real state of poverty, depression, substance abuse, and oppression. This study intends to highlight the unsaid issues in the light of Covid-19 and analyze the role of law in them.
