Supreme Court issues guidelines for protecting survivors of human trafficking

The Supreme Court on Friday (May 29, 2026) issued comprehensive guidelines for the government and competent authorities to protect young women from trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan said the judgment in the case, pending for over 22 years in the apex court, was “close to our hearts”.

The court gave detailed guidelines on establishing a uniform victim protection protocol for survivors of CSE. The court said trafficking was an affront to constitutional dignity.

“We have tried to do our best,” Justice Pardiwala said.

The short pronouncement in the courtroom saw Justice Mahadevan appreciate the long representation of senior advocate Aparna Bhat in the matter.

“History will long remember your efforts in this case,” Justice Mahadevan addressed Ms. Bhat.

The petition highlighting the lack of laws and protective mechanisms for young girls trafficked into prostitution was filed by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Prajwala in 2004.

The petition had highlighted the inadequacy of the laws and institutional support system relating to prevention and protection for victims of CSE, and in particular highlighted the manner in which the women and children trafficked for CSE were treated during pre-rescue, rescue and rehabilitation.

“Trafficking for prostitution is a highly lucrative crime of economics catering to a demand orchestrated by an intricate web of traffickers, extremely aware of the limitations of law enforcement in dealing with the crime. Over the years it has been seen that the background and the nature of the trafficked has been changing with a rapid decrease in the age of the trafficked. Conventionally, the trafficked was a victim of financial allurement made to self or the family by a person who is in a position of trust. The allurement ranged from employment, glamour, rescue from a troubled family, marriage, etc,” the petition said.