On 29th May 2026, the Supreme Court of India delivered detailed guidelines to ensure the protection of young women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

The judgment, which had been pending for over 22 years, was brought to the forefront by the NGO Prajwala, which in 2004 filed a petition highlighting gaps in laws and protective mechanisms for victims of trafficking.The Bench, comprising Justices J.B.Pardiwala and R.Mahadevan, emphasised that trafficking undermines constitutional dignity and called for a uniform victim protection protocol across the country.

The Court recognised the changing dynamics of trafficking, noting that traffickers often exploit financial vulnerabilities and manipulate trust-based relationships.It also observed a troubling trend of decreasing age among trafficked individuals.The judgment acknowledges the inadequacies of pre-rescue, rescue, and rehabilitation measures and seeks to strengthen institutional support systems.Senior advocate Aparna Bhat, who represented the petitioners, received special mention for her persistent efforts in the case.

This directive is seen as a significant step towards establishing systematic protection and rehabilitation measures for victims of CSE, reinforcing the State’s duty to combat trafficking and safeguard human dignity.