BUDHADEV KARMASKAR Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) "Madad chaahati hai ye hawwaa ki beti Yashodaa ki hamjins raadhaa ki beti Payambar ki ummat zulaikhaa ki beti Sanaakhwaan-e-taqdees-e-mashriq kahaan hain? Zaraa mulk ke rahbaron ko bulao Ye kooche ye galiyaan ye manzar dikhao Sanaakhwaan-e-taqdees-e-mashriq ko lao Sanakhwaan-e-taqdees-e-mashriq kahaan hain?" - Sahir Luhdhianvi : Chakle This order is in continuation of our earlier orders in this case which aim at providing a life of dignity to the sex workers in our country by giving them some technical skills through which they can earn their livelihood instead of by selling their bodies. The legal background of these orders is Article 21 of the Constitution, in which the word `life' has been interpreted by this Court to mean a life of dignity, and not just an animal life.

(2.) MR. Pradip Ghosh, Chairman of the Panel appointed by us, submitted a report stating that a meeting of the Panel on Sex Workers was held at the Arbitration Room of M.C. Setalvad Lawyers' Chambers Block, Supreme Court on 05.08.2011. At a subsequent meeting held on 17.08.2011, the members of the Panel along with representatives of the State Governments of Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana and the Central Government as well as representatives of some NGOs and some senior Police Officers of the State of Tamil Nadu and Delhi were present. In its report the Panel has mentioned the State wise figures of sex workers rehabilitated so far.

(3.) IT is also prayed in the report of the Panel submitted before us today that there is no proper accommodation for the functioning of the Panel. We agree that unless some accommodation is provided the Panel will not be able to function properly and effectively. We are informed that the Central Government has in its occupation a portion of the Indian Law Institute Building. We direct that the said accommodation/office space shall be allotted forthwith to the Panel constituted by us, and not later than 01.09.2011. The said office space shall be properly furnished and equipped by the Central Government with computer, furniture etc. so that the Panel may be able to carry out the day to day activities thereon. Secretarial assistance and services of office attendants and other staff shall also be made available forthwith by the Central Government as requested by Shri Pradip Ghosh, Chairman of the Panel.