Mumbai: The city has recorded a mere 68 per cent convictions in the last 13 years in cases pertaining to sex trafficking offences. In data provided by Public Justice System (PJS) and International Justice Mission (IJM), nearly 101 accused from Mumbai and nearby districts were convicted for the offences punishable under charges of sex trafficking.
Out of the 46 cases filed, the accused in at least 28 cases were convicted with the help of collaborative casework method, an initiated of the PJS and IJM. The first of these convictions dates back to December 18, 2002, in which a female trafficker was convicted for offences of buying and selling minor girls for prostitution. According to advocate Cassandra Fernandes, who has represented complainants over the last 12 years, if session court judges are designated to hear the matters under the ITPA, then the disposal rate might increase.
Expressing his satisfaction over 101 convictions, Sanjay Macwan, Regional Director of IJM India, said, “Each conviction is a step towards ending impunity and a clear sign of a system that works. IJM India shall continue to work together with the government and the judiciary to build awareness on the issue and secure convictions in cases of sex trafficking and bonded labour.”
