HUMAN TRAFFICKING, JUSTICE VERMA COMMITTEE REPORT AND LEGAL REFORM: A UNACCOMPLISH AGENDA

Millions of female are trafficked for prostitution in India and practice of intergeneration prostitutions is also not uncommon in certain communities despite India’s commitments to combat trafficking under various international human rights treaties. Any attempt to combat trafficking shall be unaccomplished goal unless serious efforts are taken to address vulnerability. While, India has failed in its legal obligation to combat trafficking, the recent legislative amendment to IPC to define the term ‘human trafficking’ also shows a lack of seriousness on the part of Government. Government took half-hearted approach in implementing Justice Verma’s Committee report for legal reform. This article explores through case studies; the impact of the gruesome crime, which also called as modern day slavery, on victims life and vulnerability factors involved in trafficking. Article argues that the recent amendment is not sufficient to combat trafficking and address vulnerability. A comprehensive legal reform requires along with making synergy among different legislations and institutional support mechanisms.