HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA

AUTHOR – AMAN VISHWAKARMA* & DR. MUDRA SINGH**

* STUDENT AT  LL.M (CRIMINAL LAW) AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY UTTAR PRADESH LUCKNOW CAMPUS

BEST CITATION – AMAN VISHWAKARMA & DR. MUDRA SINGH, HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (5) OF 2025, PG. 685-695, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Human trafficking is one of the gravest human rights violations in the modern world, often referred to as a form of modern-day slavery. It involves the illegal trade and exploitation of people for purposes such as sexual exploitation, forced labor, organ trafficking, child begging, and domestic servitude. Affecting millions globally, it cuts across geographic and socio-economic boundaries, particularly targeting women, children, and marginalized groups.

Despite global and national legal frameworks, including the Palermo Protocol and various Indian legislations like the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and IPC Section 370, trafficking continues to thrive. The problem in India is both internal and cross-border, exacerbated by poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, gender-based discrimination, and weak law enforcement.

This paper critically analyzes the root causes, patterns, and impacts of human trafficking, with a specific focus on India. It highlights gaps in the current legal and institutional response and emphasizes the need for better enforcement, victim rehabilitation, and international cooperation. The study concludes by advocating for a victim-centric and multi-pronged approach that integrates legal, social, and policy reforms to combat human trafficking effectively.

Keywords – Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Forced Labour, Sexual Exploitation, Child Trafficking, Organ Trade, Indian Penal Code, Palermo Protocol, Rehabilitation, Victim Rights, Gender-based Violence, Cross-border Crime, Anti-trafficking Law, Law Enforcement, Human Rights Violation, Socio-economic Disparity.