Published Paper Details:

The Contagious Disease Act was a series of legislative measures enacted in 19th-century colonial India and later in England, Scotland, and Ireland. These acts aimed to combat sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis and gonorrhoea, by implementing mandatory medical examinations and treating women on the street. The rationale behind these acts was to protect the health of the military by preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. However, the act specifically targeted women involved in prostitution, largely ignoring the role of men in spreading the disease. This paper examines the unique history of prostitution in 19th-century colonial India, focusing on the intersection of legal, social, and moral dimensions under British rule. It explores the implementation of the Contagious Diseases Acts, which introduced Victorian moral values into Indian law, aimed at controlling female sexuality and venereal diseases among British troops. The analysis highlights the complex dynamics of power, gender, and class, revealing how these laws affected the social standing of women engaged in prostitution and the broader implications for Indian society. Through a critical examination of colonial and indigenous responses, this study underscores the lasting impact of colonial legal frameworks on contemporary social and legal challenges in India, contributing to a deeper understanding of the colonial legacy on gender and morality.