Supreme Court Revamps Terminology in Gender Stereotype Handbook

Supreme Court Revamps Terminology in Gender Stereotype Handbook

Asif Iqbal | November 11, 2023 | 09:09 PM IST | Courts & Law | Follow on Google News

Supreme Court Revamps Terminology in Gender Stereotype Handbook.image/PTI

Supreme Court Revamps Terminology in Gender Stereotype Handbook

Redefining Terms for Gender Sensitivity

In a significant move to address gender stereotypes, the Supreme Court of India has decided to change the term “sex worker” in its handbook on gender stereotypes. The new terminology will now read as “trafficked victim/survivor or woman engaged in commercial sexual activity or woman forced into commercial sexual exploitation.” This decision comes after a consortium of anti-trafficking NGOs raised concerns to Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud, about the potential for perpetuating harmful stereotypes through the use of the term “sex worker.

“NGOs’ Influence in Terminology Change

A group of NGOs under the Anti-Human Trafficking Forum, including ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi) from Goa, Prayas from Mumbai, Prerana from Maharashtra, and others, advocated for this change. They argued that the term “sex worker” might imply voluntary participation in commercial sexual activities, overshadowing the grim reality of many who are forced, kidnapped, or lured into such situations. The change aims to reflect the situations more accurately and sensitively.

Supreme Court Acknowledges Change

Anurag Bhaskar, the deputy registrar of the Supreme Court of India, confirmed the acceptance of this change in an email to ARZ. He stated that the terminology in the handbook, published in August 2023, would be updated to reflect the new nomenclature. This change is a step towards recognizing the complexities and often involuntary nature of commercial sexual activities.

Legal Framework and the ITPA Act

The NGOs’ request aligns with the legal framework under the Immoral Trafficking Prevention Act (ITPA), 1956. The ITPA allows women to engage in commercial sexual activities but prosecutes those who force or lure them into such activities. It defines “prostitution” as sexual exploitation or abuse for commercial purposes, giving context to the Supreme Court’s decision to revise its handbook terminology.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.