One visiting a brothel not a customer, sex worker not a product, says HC

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court said the charge of inducing prostitution will remain on the person visiting an immoral center and paying for sexual intercourse. The court clarified that a person visiting an immoral center and seeking the services of a sex worker cannot be considered a customer and that if he wants to be seen as such, should buy some goods or services.

The order by a bench led by Justice V G Arun was on the plea filed by the third accused seeking to quash the immorality case registered by the Thiruvananthapuram Peroorkada Police in 2021.

A sex worker is not a product. They are often victims of human trafficking and are forced to give their bodies for the carnal pleasure of others. Most of the money paid by the pleasure seeker goes to the keeper of the brothel. Therefore, the court clarified that the charge of inducement under Section 5(1) D of the Prohibition of Indecent Activities Act will remain on the person visiting an immoral center and paying for sex.