Should prostitution be legalised in India?

Will recognising sex workers as legal professionals reduce sexual violence in the society? FPJ probes

- Saachi Shinde

Recent harrowing case of rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata sparked widespread outrage and intensified calls for stronger legal protections for women. Sex workers from Sonagachi, Asia’s largest red-light district, made headlines by refusing to provide soil for Durga idols. It was accompanied by the powerful statement, “Come to us, but don’t rape”. This stand is not just a response to the ongoing cases of sexual violence but also a reflection of a long-standing struggle for recognition and respect. This statement has also given rise to a long-standing debate — should prostitution be legalised in order to keep the women of the society safe?

Prostitution was one of the first recognised professions of ancient India. The society then recognised the importance of that. The moral pandits of that time believed that the prostitutes ensured that the women of society were safe. The fact that there were negligible rapes in pre-Victorian India proves that they were right.

Taboo of sex in Indian society

Underlying this debate is the broader issue of how sex is perceived in Indian society. Despite being a country with a rich history of sexual expression, as evidenced by ancient texts and art, modern India often views sex as a taboo. This attitude contributes to the stigma surrounding sex work and leads to the perception of sex workers as immoral. This is one of the reasons why sex workers have limited recourse to justice.