Chaini Parwani –
Published on: November 30, 2021 at 13:18 IST
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that it is planning to introduce a Bill in Parliament to curb trafficking and ensure rehabilitation of sex workers in India.
A Bench comprising of Justices LN Rao and BR Gavai recorded the submission of Additional Solicitor General RS Suri that the Centre has planned to bring in legislation during the ongoing winter session to curb trafficking and rehabilitation of sex workers.
The Bench stated that “Right to Food has been recognised as a human right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Though there is some improvement in the situation caused by the COVID pandemic, we are of the view that there is the constitutional obligation of the States/UTs to provide basic amenities to its Citizens, which takes into its fold the sex workers, who are also entitled to dry rations.”
Senior Advocate Jayant Bhushan, member of the court-appointed committee and Amicus Curiae demanded for a copy of draft legislation to examine whether the Government has acted on at least one of the recommendations of the panel.
The Supreme Court directed all the States and Union Territories to not insist on the requirement of any documentation from the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) identified sex workers and provide them dry ration during the pandemic period in compliance with the earlier Orders of the Court.
The Court was hearing an application filed by an NGO in a 2010 Petition pleading to address the problems of sex workers in India.
The Court adjourned the matter for further hearing after two weeks.