What are the main features of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act?

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (for short ITPA) was Act no. 104 of 1956 and it was enacted on Dt. 30.12.1956. The long title of the ITPA is, “An Act to provide in pursuance of the International Convention signed at New York on the 9^th day of May, 1950, for the Prevention of Immoral Traffic.” It is evident from the long title that the ITPA is enacted in pursuance of the International Convention for the Prevention of Immoral Traffic, New York, signed on Dt. 9.05.1950.

The ITPA extends to whole India.

According to ITPA any person who is keeping and/or managing a brothel is liable for the punishment of rigorous punishment for 1 to 3 years with a fine upto Rs. 2,000/- (Two thousands only). If such person is again convicted for the same crime then the rigorous imprisonment term may be 2 to 5 years with a fine upto Rs. 2,000/- (Teo thousands only).

If a major (completed 18 years of age) person is living on the earning of prostitution then such person may be punished with imprisonment of a term upto 2 years and/or a fine upto 1,000/- (One thousands only). And if such prostitute is a minor, then the person who is living on her/his earning will be punishable for imprisonment of a term of 7 to 10 years.

Further the ITPA provides the punishment for procurement, inducement or taking a person for sake of prostitution which is rigorous imprisonment 3 to 7 years with a fine upto Rs. 2,000/- (Two thousands only). And if such act of the convicted person is against the will of the person then the punishment will be rigorous imprisonment of 14 years.

This Act provides for the appointment of special police officer and advisory body for dealing the offenses under the Act.

Offenses under ITPA are cognizable offenses. Also search of such premises where brothel is continued can be done without search warrant due to the provisions of the IPTA Act.

This act provides for the establishment of protect home for removed and rescued persons from such heinous trafficking. Also how such protect homes should maintain their records is provided under ITPA.

Only Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class can try the offenses under the ITPA.

State governments and Central government are empowered to establish the special courts for imparting the justice in the cases covered under this Act. State governments are empowered to formulate the rules and regulations under this Act for proper implementation of the Act and such rules are published in the official gazette of the State.

The ITPA provides for the prevention of the trafficking of humans for illicit purpose of prostitution and brothel. Both are the heinous acts which are destroying the ethics of the humanity. In general in such businesses women are forcefully thrown and they are forced to lose their dignity and modesty.

Reference:

TheImmoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act, 1956.