CHITAN J VASWANI Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Not for dramatic effect but to sting social conscience, we set out the tragic story of this case which is typical of the spreading disease of immoral traffic, to remedy which the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956 (for short, the Act) was enacted by Parliament in a mood of high morality but with such drafting inefficiency that it has pathetically failed to produce any decline in the malady.

(2.) The scene is the Isias Bar, 15. Free School Street, Calcutta. A hall of enchantment extends nocturnal invitation to have a nice time with svelte sylphs. The entrance fee is but a paltry Rs. 15/- per man and inside is served animating liquor. Scantily clad female flesh of sweet seventeen or thereabouts flit about or sit on laps, to the heady tune of band music. They solicit carnal custom, and the willing male victims pay Rs. 30/-, choose whom they fancy drink together and, taking leave of decencies, indulge in promiscuous sex exercise legally described as operation prostitution. The stage is busy with many men and girls moving into rooms, lavatories and chambers. The curtain rises and a raiding party of police and excise officers surprise this erotic company drowned in drink and damsels.

(3.) This lecherous drama need not detain us further. The Act went into action, a prosecution was launched against many under S. 7 resulting in conviction and sentence of two persons, the proprietor and the manager of the Isaias Bar oftentimes, a bar or restaurant is a euphemism for a brothel and the socialites, unsuspectedly and without smirch, satisfy their sex in these respectably labelled houses patronised by even prestigious dignitaries and opulent businessmen.