It was in the All India Suppression of Immoral Traffic Act (SITA) of 1956 that does not prohibit prostitutes to commence their trade in private but they cannot carry their business in public. The landmark judgement of the Supreme Court in May 2022 acknowledged sex work as a profession in India. This decision could surely help one challenge the institutional barriers that prevent sex workers from accessing basic rights and equality. Interestingly, prostitution is not illegal in India, per se. According to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), however, several activities under prostitution are punishable by law — pimping, renting out property for running brothels, etc. There is annual observance of International Sex Workers Day on June 2 to increase understanding of their rights, struggles, and accomplishments globally. On this day, sex workers are honoured and recognised for their contributions, as well as their continued hardships. One place where the myths of prostitution are busted is cinema

Author-Gopi Shah