The Thane Sessions Court has granted custody of two young women to their respective families, after they were rescued by Thane Police in 2024 during a raid at a restaurant, where they were found to be involved in a prostitution case. The women had been admitted to Navjeevan Mahila Vasatigruha in Chembur for rehabilitation.
While handing over their custody to their family members, the court observed that although the victims required proper care, support, protection, and rehabilitation, they were also entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. The court underscored that no authority can curtail the movement of citizens across the country, and every individual has the right to choose where they wish to reside.
The court highlighted that the women, both adults, were victims of crime and circumstances, not accused persons. As such, they are entitled to the same rights as any other citizen — including the freedom of movement and the right to choose their residence and occupation.
The court further noted that after their rescue, the victims were placed in a rehabilitation centre where they received vocational training to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and respect. However, since one of the women had expressed her desire to live with her brother, while other with her father , the court saw no reason to deny her this choice, especially since they were not facing any criminal charges.
At the same time, the court reminded the family members taking custody of the women that they have a responsibility to ensure the victims are properly cared for and are not drawn back into illegal activities, in line with the provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.
The prosecution had opposed the release, arguing that the victims were at risk of being lured back into illegal activities and should therefore remain at the rehabilitation centre. However, the court rejected this argument, emphasizing the importance of upholding the victims’ constitutional rights.
