New anti-trafficking Bill being drafted

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has begun drafting a new Bill to curb human trafficking in India. It seeks to legislate enforcement and punishment for human trafficking under a singular act, whereas at present the offences are governed by a plethora of legislation such as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The Ministry has also proposed amendments to the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. Such purport to introduce a definition of “trafficking in persons”, and expand punishments under the Act. Significantly, the amendments seek safeguards for ‘members of voluntary agencies’ who attempt to protect victims.

Tags : Human trafficking immoral amendment

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