Telangana High Court Orders Police Reform to Combat Human Trafficking

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-09-29 17:03:33 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-19 09:27:11

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In a significant move to strengthen the fight against human trafficking, the Telangana High Court has taken a firm stance, directing the police to appoint special officers to tackle this pervasive issue. The court's decision comes as a response to a case that exposed procedural lapses in the investigation of a suspected brothel in Hyderabad.

Justice Jukanti Anil Kumar's ruling quashed criminal proceedings against the accused in the case, citing "material irregularity and illegality" due to the lack of a properly authorised investigating officer. The raid on the spa, which led to the discovery of potential sex trafficking, was conducted by a sub-inspector without the required search warrant. This procedural oversight was a key factor in the court's decision to dismiss the charges.

The court emphasised the importance of adhering to the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (PITA), which mandates that only special police officers of the rank of inspector or above, appointed through government notification, can investigate such offences. This ruling highlights a critical gap in the current system, where the absence of designated officers has potentially hindered effective enforcement of the law.

In a swift response to the court's directive, the Director General of Police (DGP) is now tasked with appointing these special officers within four weeks. This move is expected to streamline the process of combating human trafficking, ensuring that future investigations are conducted with the necessary authority and legal compliance. The court's decision underscores the need for a more structured approach to addressing this heinous crime, prompting a reevaluation of the current policing strategies.

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