Supreme Court decision increases victim protection for victims of human trafficking, says founder Prajwala

Prajwala founder Sunitha Krishnan along with survivors and foundation representatives during a meeting in Hyderabad. | Photo credit: By arrangement

A landmark Supreme Court judgment recognizing the rights, dignity and rehabilitation needs of sex-trafficking victims could change India’s response to human trafficking, Prajwala founder Sunitha Krishnan said while addressing the media in Hyderabad on Thursday (June 4, 2026).

The May 29 judgment in the long-running case of Prajwala vs Union of India introduces a first-of-its-kind Victim Protection Plan (VPP) for victims of commercial sexual exploitation and lays down detailed procedures for rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration and prosecution.

Krishnan said one of the most significant aspects of the judgment was its recognition that victims of trafficking must be treated as victims rather than perpetrators. She said the ruling made a clear distinction between adults involved in voluntary sex work and those who were trafficked or forced into commercial sexual exploitation.

“The court clarified that when rescue operations are carried out, the authorities may not immediately know who is acting voluntarily and who is under duress. Therefore, everyone must be treated as a victim at the outset and placed in the VPP,” she said.

Krishnan said the ruling also provides reparations for adult victims of sex trafficking and increases access to rehabilitation services, legal representation and long-term support mechanisms. She called for wider reforms and urged the Union government to enact a comprehensive law covering all cases of human trafficking.

She also highlighted the growing challenge of technology-enabled human trafficking, facilitated by mobile apps, dating platforms and matrimonial websites, and called for urgent action.

Senior Supreme Court advocate Aparna Bhat, who was associated with the litigation, said the judgment was the culmination of a legal battle that began more than two decades ago. She noted that despite the Union government’s assurances in 2015 of a dedicated anti-trafficking law and a dedicated agency to investigate organized crime, neither has materialised.

Bhat said trafficking networks today operate across multiple states and international borders, making investigations very complex and requiring specialized expertise.

One survivor from West Bengal said she was rescued from human trafficking in 2015 at the age of 20, but 11 years later her trial is yet to begin. She expressed hope that the new framework would speed up the court process and provide future survivors with services and rights that were not available to many rescued women in the past.

Another survivor from Orissa said social acceptance remains one of the biggest challenges after rescue. Recalling her experience, she said she faced stigma and condemnation from her community after returning home before eventually rebuilding her life through rehabilitation and job support provided by Prajwala.

She said the ruling could help future survivors gain not only rehabilitation but also respect and dignity.

One survivor from Chittoor, who now works as a supervisor in Prajwala and trains other women, said compensation and rehabilitation support could help survivors get an education, become financially independent and support their families.

Published – 04 Jun 2026 20:05 IST