The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

Abstract

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA), formerly known as the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act (SITA), is an Indian law aimed at preventing human trafficking, particularly for commercial sexual exploitation. The Act criminalizes activities associated with prostitution, such as the running of brothels, pimping, soliciting, and trafficking of individuals for sexual exploitation. While the Act does not directly criminalize prostitution, it targets third parties who profit from or organize sex work. It also empowers law enforcement to rescue victims of trafficking, particularly women and children, and provides for their rehabilitation. The Act mandates that the offenders involved in trafficking or coercing individuals into prostitution face stringent punishment, including imprisonment. Amendments to the ITPA have expanded the scope of its protections, focusing on providing support and shelter to victims. However, the Act has been criticized for its implementation, with claims that it sometimes leads to the victimization of sex workers themselves rather than providing them with protection. Despite its challenges, the ITPA remains a cornerstone in India's legal framework aimed at combating human trafficking and ensuring justice and rehabilitation for victims.