After watching Gangubai Kathiawadi, I started thinking about whether any changes have taken place with respect to the condition of sex workers in India. I honestly don’t think there have been any significant changes. I mean, Gangubai was fighting for a life of respect and dignity then, and today countless sex workers are still fighting for the same thing. Having said that, things seem to be changing especially after the Supreme Court of India’s recent recommendations. The recommendations passed by the Supreme Court state that all police forces not only have to treat sex workers with respect but also have directed media to protect their identity while reporting raids.
As per reports, the Supreme Court of India recommended all police forces treat sex workers with respect and dignity. They also have asked media houses to protect their identity and not publish their photographs when reporting raids.
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The Supreme Court recommendations were made by a three-judge bench that was headed by Justice LN Rao. The bench said, “Every individual in this country has a right to a dignified life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.” The bench also recommended to the police that when the sex worker is an adult participating with consent, then they should refrain from either interfering or taking any sort of criminal action.
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However, the centre has opposed these recommendations by the Supreme Court. And so the court has asked the Union Government to respond to these recommendations within six weeks.
