Aastha Thakur
Published on: 27 November 2022 at 11:04 IST
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to ensure that all steps are taken to prevent prostitution rings from being operated “under the garb of massage parlours”
The bench comprised of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by filed against the operation of “sex rackets or illegal flesh trade” in the national capital.
The PIL filed states that the operation of sex rackets and prostitution rings are in direct violation of Section 8 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and also transgresses upon the right to life under Article 21 and goes against the prohibition of trafficking under Article 23.
The petitioner submitted in its plea argued that Women’s safety and dignity are seriously threatened by sex racket operations that go by the disguise of massage parlours. He said that the authorities ignored his complaints.
The bench takes this matter seriously and directed Delhi Police to take necessary action whenever an information or complaint is received regarding prostitution rackets operating under the garb of massage parlours.
Delhi Police also told the court that all DCPs have been given directions and guidelines to keep a close eye on massage parlours and to take appropriate legal action if they observe any unlawful activity occurring there.
The bench then asserted that, “The Delhi Police assured the bench that Considering that the Delhi Police has been taking necessary actions, this Court is of the opinion that no further orders are required to be passed in the present petition in light of the directions already issued by Respondent No. 1”
“The Respondent Police is directed to ensure that all steps are undertaken to prevent prostitution rings from being conducted under the garb of massage parlours,”
Hence, the Court disposed the matter along with similar petitions.
Title: ATEET BANSAL v. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELHI & ANR