In India, human trafficking is still a major problem, and traffickers are using digital platforms more and more to take advantage of weaker people.
Trafficking in Human Beings or Persons is prohibited under the Constitution of India under Article 23 (1) The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) is the premier legislation for prevention of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
Criminal Law (amendment) Act 2013 has come into force wherein Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code has been substituted with Section 370 and 370A IPC which provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of human trafficking including trafficking of children for exploitation in any form including physical exploitation or any form of sexual exploitation, slavery, servitude, or the forced removal of organs.
Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which has come into effect from 14th November, 2012 is a special law to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It provides precise definitions for different forms of sexual abuse, including penetrative and non-penetrative sexual assault, sexual harassment.
There are other specific legislations enacted relating to trafficking in women and children Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, apart from specific Sections in the IPC, e.g. Sections 372 and 373 deal with selling and buying of girls for the purpose of prostitution.
NHRCCB Anti Human -Trafficking Cell aims to promote tribal rights and other related activities related to human trafficking across the nation in support of NHRCCB Volunteer/ Member/ Officer.
For the implementation different laws related to human trafficking as per Indian Constitution, NHRCCB established a separate Constituent unit or cell named “ NHRCCB Anti Human Trafficking Cell ” with independent managing committee.
