NHRC Ensures Criminal Action Against 23 Individuals for Selling Minor Girls on Stamp Paper in Rajasthan

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has highlighted the persistence of the illegal practice of selling minor girls in certain communities, necessitating immediate and stringent action. The NHRC’s observations came after it registered a suo motu case on October 27, 2022, following a media report alleging that girls were being sold on stamp paper in several districts of Rajasthan and subsequently trafficked to various parts of India and abroad for physical and sexual exploitation.

Incident and Response: The State Government of Rajasthan confirmed the allegations, revealing that a chargesheet was filed against 23 accused individuals. Seven rescued girls have been rehabilitated in Nari Niketan Girl’s Reform Home, Ajmer, and Nati Niketan, Ajmer. The NHRC’s Special Rapporteur’s report noted that this practice was prevalent in the Kanjar Community and other male-dominated groups in Rajasthan, where young girls were forced into the sex trade.

NHRC’s Recommendations: To combat this issue, the NHRC recommended several measures:

1. State Anti-Human Trafficking Nodal Officer: Each state must appoint a Nodal Officer of the rank of Secretary or Inspector General of Police to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts.
2. District Anti-Human Trafficking Units (DAHTUs): DAHTUs should be established as per the Union Home Ministry’s guidelines, led by a Deputy SP, and include representatives from various departments and NGOs.
3. Monitoring and Rehabilitation: DAHTUs should monitor trafficking incidents and ensure the rehabilitation of victims, integrating them back into society with support from state schemes.

The NHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to report compliance within eight weeks, emphasizing the need to spread awareness about the constitutional prohibition against child prostitution and the sale of minor girls.

Inter-State Collaboration: The NHRC also highlighted the trafficking of girls from Rajasthan to Mumbai’s dance bars. It directed the Chief Secretary and DGP of Rajasthan to send a team to Mumbai for investigation, with assistance from Maharashtra Police, to prevent such incidents and repatriate the girls.

Judicial Observations: The NHRC cited stringent legal provisions and Supreme Court judgments, including:

• Budhadev Karmakar vs. State of West Bengal (2011)
• Bachpan Bachao Andolan vs. Union of India (2011) 5 SCC 538
• Vishal Jeet vs. Union of India, AIR 1990 SCC 1412
• Nihal Singh vs. Ram Bai (AIR 1987 Madhya Pradesh 126)

These references highlight the judiciary’s commitment to eradicating child prostitution and the sale of minors. The NHRC expressed hope that these judicial directives would be implemented effectively to combat the menace.

The NHRC’s intervention underscores its dedication to protecting human rights and ensuring justice for vulnerable communities, particularly minors subjected to trafficking and exploitation.

For ongoing and detailed coverage of legal developments, business news, and real-time updates on law and politics, visit Kanishk Social Media. If you found this news article informative, please share it with a friend!