Scribd
Upload
32 views25 pages

SITA Act 1956

The Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956, aims to prevent immoral trafficking, particularly of women and girls, and provides legal measures for their rehabilitation and protection. It includes provisions for punishing brothel keeping, soliciting, and procuring individuals for prostitution, while emphasizing the need for protective homes and rehabilitation programs. Despite its pioneering role in anti-trafficking legislation in India, the act faces limitations such as a focus on controlling prostitution over trafficking and the need for a more victim-centered approach.

Uploaded by

19UGEN68 VIJAYAKUMAR.S BA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
32 views25 pages

SITA Act 1956

The Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956, aims to prevent immoral trafficking, particularly of women and girls, and provides legal measures for their rehabilitation and protection. It includes provisions for punishing brothel keeping, soliciting, and procuring individuals for prostitution, while emphasizing the need for protective homes and rehabilitation programs. Despite its pioneering role in anti-trafficking legislation in India, the act faces limitations such as a focus on controlling prostitution over trafficking and the need for a more victim-centered approach.

Uploaded by

19UGEN68 VIJAYAKUMAR.S BA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 25

Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women

and Girls Act, 1956


Introduction

• Enacted by the Indian Parliament in 1956.

• Designed to prevent immoral trafficking, particularly


targeting women and girls.

• A response to rising concerns of prostitution and


exploitation.

• India's commitment under international conventions


prompted the act.
Objective of SITA
• To suppress and control the immoral traffic in
women and girls.

• Provide legal measures for prevention and


punishment.

• Rehabilitation of victims.

• Promote morality and protect the dignity of women.


Historical Background
• Influenced by the 1949 UN Convention for the
Suppression of the Traffic in Persons.

• India ratified the convention and formulated


this act.

• Marked the beginning of formal anti-trafficking


legislation in independent India.
Key Definitions under SITA
• Prostitute: A female who engages in sexual activity for
payment.

• Brothel: A place used for sexual exploitation or


prostitution.

• Public Place: Includes streets, hotels, hostels, and


transport terminals.

• Soliciting: Seeking customers for prostitution in public.


Major Provisions of the Act
• Restriction on prostitution in or near public places.

• Prohibition of brothel keeping and living off the


earnings of prostitution.

• Police powers to arrest without warrant.

• Court jurisdiction for rehabilitation and custody of


rescued women.
Important Sections of the SITA / ITPA Act

• 1. Section 3 – Punishment for keeping a


brothel or allowing premises to be used as a
brothel
• 2. Section 4 – Punishment for living on the
earnings of prostitution
• 3. Section 5 – Procuring, inducing or taking
person for the sake of prostitution
• 4. Section 6 – Detaining a person in premises
where prostitution is carried on.
• 5. Section 7 – Prostitution in or in the vicinity
of public places.
• 6. Section 8 – Seducing or soliciting for
purpose of prostitution
• 7. Section 9 – Seduction of a person in
custody.
Important Sections of the SITA / ITPA Act

• 8. Section 10 – Detention in a corrective


institution.
• 9. Section 13 – Special police officer and
advisory body
• 10. Section 14 – Offences to be cognizable.
• 11. Section 15–17 – Search, rescue, and
rehabilitation of victims.
Offences and Punishments
• Keeping or managing a brothel: Up to 3 years
imprisonment and fine.

• Living off earnings of prostitution: Up to 2


years imprisonment.

• Procuring or inducing a woman/girl for


prostitution: 1-5 years imprisonment.

• Repeat offenders face stricter penalties.


Role of Police and Magistrates
• Police can enter and search premises without
a warrant.
• Magistrates authorize rescue and protective
custody.
• Police may detain persons for inquiry under
the act.
• Confidentiality and protection of victim
identity ensured.
Protective Homes and
Rehabilitation
• State governments must establish protective
homes.
• Provide shelter, food, vocational training, and
counseling.
• Women may be kept in protective custody for
up to 3 years.
• Focus on reformation and reintegration into
society.
Child and Minor Protection
• Special provisions for protection of children
(under 16) and minors (16-18).

• Stricter punishments for trafficking minors.

• Any sexual exploitation of children is a


punishable offence.
Limitations of SITA
• Emphasis more on controlling prostitution than
trafficking.

• Victims often penalized rather than protected.

• Vague definitions lead to misuse.

• Need for more victim-focused and rights-based


approach.
Amendments and ITPA, 1986
• SITA renamed to Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
(ITPA) in 1986.

• Expanded to cover traffickers, pimps, and clients.

• Inclusion of male offenders.

• Better rehabilitation measures and legal clarity.


Contemporary Relevance
• Human trafficking remains a serious issue in India.

• NGOs and government working for better


implementation.

• Ongoing discussions for stronger, inclusive laws.

• Emphasis on prevention, protection, and


prosecution.
Case Studies and Data
• Mention key legal cases under SITA/ITPA.

• Statistics on trafficking in India (NCRB or


UNODC reports).

• Highlight success stories of rescue and


rehabilitation.
Conclusion
• SITA was a pioneering law in India.

• It laid the foundation for anti-trafficking frameworks.

• Requires continuous updates to tackle evolving


challenges.

• Importance of collective responsibility in eliminating


trafficking.
SUGGESTIONS TO PREVENT
THANK YOU
• Custody for
• 1949
• 1956 • Sections-25
• 1986
• Under Age 16-18 • Provides
• Victims
• 3 Years Jail
• Police
• Court • 2 Years Jail
• State government
• 1-5 Years Jail

You might also like