Published Paper Details:

Prostitution in India has been a complex and contested subject, shaped by historical practices, political regulation, and evolving human rights discourses. From the courtesans of ancient India and the devadasi system to the colonial regulation of brothels and the post-independence legal framework, prostitution has been entangled in debates over morality, law, and power. The state's regulatory approach, often driven by concerns of public order and morality, has frequently marginalized sex workers rather than safeguarding their rights. This paper examines the historical trajectory of prostitution in India, critically analyzes the politics of regulation, and evaluates the issue through a human rights lens, focusing on dignity, autonomy, and livelihood. Drawing on international human rights instruments and comparative models of governance, it explores the gaps in India's legal and policy framework. The study argues for a shift from a morality-driven, punitive approach to a rights-based framework that recognizes sex workers as agents entitled to protection, dignity, and equality.