This book is a practical guide for police and public prosecutors on combating human trafficking. It focuses on the theoretical and procedural aspects of law needed to prevent, investigate, and prosecute trafficking cases effectively.

The book addresses key challenges: immediate police action at source, transit and destination points; handling digital evidence and cyber trafficking; cross-border trafficking and jurisdictional issues; and the role of prosecutors in presenting strong cases in court.

It covers relevant laws including ITPA, POCSO, IPC, CrPC, and other special acts, along with international standards. With an emphasis on victim-centered approaches, protection from re-victimization, and practical procedures from FIR to trial, this work aims to equip law enforcement and prosecutors with the knowledge to ensure offenders are brought to justice and victims receive proper care and protection.

Table of Contents:

CHAPTER 1: PROLOGUE
1.1 Cyber Trafficking Victims
1.2 Compassionate care to the Victims
1.3 International Scope and Human Trafficking
1.4 Extradition

CHAPTER 2: LEGAL ENACTMENTS AT A GLANCE
2.1 The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA)
2.2 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
2.3 The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
2.4 The Inter-State Migrant Workman (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act, 1979
2.5 The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994
2.6 Citizenship Act, 1955
2.7 The Foreigners Act, 1946
2.8 Immigration (Carrier’s Liability) Act, 2000
2.9 Indian Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
2.10 Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
2.11 Information Technology Act, 2000
2.12 Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act, 1956
2.13 The Children (Pledging of Labour) Act, 1933
2.14 The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
2.15 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO)
2.16 The Goa Children’s Act, 2003
2.17 Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988
2.18 The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
2.19 Indian Penal Code, 1960
2.20 Sexual Exploitation due to Cultural Practices
2.21 Sex Tourism and Trafficking
2.22 Adoption and Trafficking
2.23 Trafficking for the Purpose of Marriage
2.24 CARA Guidelines

CHAPTER 3: BASIC ROLE OF POLICE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING
3.1 Under the Police Act
3.2 Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
3.3 Under ITPA
3.4 Family Counseling Centers
3.5 Registering the Crime (FIR) at the Police Station (PS)
3.6 Investigation of trafficking Crimes
3.7 Scene of Crime (SOC) investigation
3.8 Identification and arrest of offenders
3.9 Mapping the harm done to the victims
3.10 Mapping the Exploiter’s Profit
3.11 Investigation on cyber-sex trafficking
3.12 Victim centered approach of police

CHAPTER 4: HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND PROSECUTORS
4.1 Role of Public Prosecutors
4.2 In the matter of Quashing of FIR
4.3 In the matter of Delay in filing FIR
4.4 In the matter of Crimes committed outside territorial jurisdiction
4.5 In the event of complaints to Magistrate
4.6 Traffickers not found at Scene of Crime
4.7 Production before a Magistrate
4.8 Procedure Subsequent to Production before Magistrate
4.9 Procedure in case of children/minors – Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
4.10 At the time of age verification
4.11 Applications for Custody
4.12 Bail
4.13 Challenge: Ensuring Safety of Victims upon Release of accused on bail
4.14 Absconding accused
4.15 Identity Disclosure Laws
4.16 Statements under Section 164 of the CrPC
4.17 Rights of a Victim
4.18 During Rescue
4.19 The rights of a victim during trial vis-à-vis the role of prosecutors within a trial
4.20 Preventing Secondary Victimization/Re-victimization
4.21 Victim centered approach of prosecutors

ANNEXURES
Annexure 1: NALSA (Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation) Scheme, 2015
Annexure 2: List of UN Treaties and Treaty Bodies
Annexure 3: Status of International Instruments Signed/Ratified by India