Stringent action against brothels necessary: HC

Mumbai, Oct 20 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the State Police to initiate action against brothels and their clients to check minors being forced into prostitution.

A division bench comprising justices J N Patel and R S Dalvi observed that property of brothel owners needs to be sealed, their bank accounts frozen and their clients exposed with the help of the media.

The court observed that if minor girls are forced into prostitution, it is a heinous crime under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act.

The court's observations came in the wake of a submission by an amicus curiae who also urged the need to provide counselling to the minor girls who are rescued from brothels.

The court will further hear the matter on January 10 when it will next take stock of the progress made in rescuing girls from the brothels.

UNI ARM MAZ MIR BS2111