Rights panel directs policeman to pay compensation to sex worker

August 27, 2005

K.T. Sangameswaran

Told to pay Rs. 10,000 as compensation to sex worker

CHENNAI:

The State Human Rights Commission has recommended that a police Head Constable,

who beat up a sex worker for refusing to have sex with him, should pay her

Rs.10,000 as compensation.

In his order, the Commission's acting chairperson, Justice S. Thangaraj, said

the Tamil Nadu Government should pay the compensation and recover it from the

policeman's salary.

Doctor's statement: Mr. Justice Thangaraj said the doctor who treated the woman

found a " swelling over the middle of the right forearm with an abrasion 3 cm x 2

cm. "

Lakshmi of Tiruttani had complained to the Commission that after Jayavel, a Head

Constable of Tiruttani police station, beat her, she was admitted to Government

Hospital, Tiruttani.

She submitted that she was secretary of the " Protection of Health care for

Women " and campaigned for the protection of sex workers and their

rehabilitation. Denying that he had assaulted her, Jayavel said three cases

under Section 8 ( of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act had been filed

against Lakshmi and she had paid the fine. The complaint was to " wreak

vengeance. "

Deserves compassion: In his order, Mr. Justice Thangaraj said, " Even a

prostitute shall have her dignity. "

He pointed out that the Supreme Court had said that women in the flesh trade

should be treated with humanity and compassion.

The chairperson said a social activist had witnessed the assault. Another

witness saw the complainant with a bleeding injury. Considering the

circumstances, it was clear that the assault had taken place, the chairperson

said, and awarded the compensation.

________________________

This appeared on 12th August 2005 Hindu, Tamil Nadu Edition. Source: The Hindu

Tamil Nadu. Chennai

Regards

R. Meera

WINS, Tirupati

E-mail: <rmeera102@...>

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