High Court Directs Delhi Police To Take Action Against 'Prostitution Rings' Operating 'Under Garb Of Massage Parlours'

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".

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad disposed of a public interest litigation filed by one Ateet Bansal against the operation of "sex rackets or illegal flesh trade" in the national capital.

Bansal argued that sex racket businesses operating under the garb of massage parlours pose a serious threat to the safety and dignity of women. He submitted that authorities have failed to act on his complaints. 

The bench took note of the Delhi Police's affidavit stating that necessary action is taken whenever an information or complaint is received regarding prostitution rackets operating under the garb of massage parlours.

"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," the bench said, while disposing of the PIL.

Delhi Police also told the court that directions and instructions have been issued to all DCPs to keep a vigil on massage parlours and also to take appropriate legal action in case they notice any illegal activities taking place there.

Bansal had argued 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.

Title: ATEET BANSAL v. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELHI & ANR

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Del) 1119

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