Supreme Court Guidelines on Victim Protection Protocol for CSE Survivors

The Supreme Court of India issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at protecting young women from trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) on May 29, 2026. The judgment, pending for over 22 years, was delivered by a Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan.

Key Highlights of the Judgment

• Uniform Victim Protection Protocol: The Court emphasized the need for establishing a consistent protocol to protect survivors of CSE.
• Constitutional Dignity: Trafficking was highlighted as an affront to constitutional dignity, underscoring the severity of the crime.

Background and Historical Context

• The petition was originally filed by the NGO Prajwala in 2004, highlighting the lack of protective laws and mechanisms for young girls trafficked into prostitution.
• The petition identified the inadequacies in the laws and institutional support systems related to the prevention and protection of CSE victims.

Insights from the Case

• Justice R. Mahadevan appreciated the long-term representation by senior advocate Aparna Bhat, acknowledging her significant contributions.
• The case revealed the intricate web of traffickers exploiting legal and enforcement limitations.

Economic Aspects of Trafficking

The petition outlined that trafficking for prostitution is a lucrative crime, driven by economic motives and executed through manipulation of trust, such as promises of employment, glamour, or marriage.