Prostitution is one of the major problems which beset the human societies the world over, from the very dawn of civilization. It is one of the kaleidoscopic images nurtured by social fabric, which wishes to perpetuate the status of women as sexual objects. Sometimes, prostitution can be viewed as a sociological phenomenon, an inevitable outcome of ignorance and misery, as a flesh trade in the society. A narrower view is that, yet equally valid concern, is that prostitution constitutes a health hazard, both directly in the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, as well as indirectly, as a conduit for drug trafficking and abuse. Giving legal recognition to prostitution would enable the prostitutes to make some contribution towards the development of the nation, as they would have legal protection, their children can get education and would be entitled to participate in the main stream of the society. Recognizing prostitution as a profession will at least reduce the real illegalities that come with it, such as child prostitution, drug trafficking and other crimes. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and socio-legal perspectives relating to sexual exploitation of women and girls. In India, one lakh minors are forced into prostitution every year. The menace of child trafficking in India has been growing at an alarming pace. According to United Nations Children’s Fund, the state of the Worlds Children’s Report, Indian country has been identified as the leading hot-spots of child sex trafficking in the world. Half of the missing girl children in India were sold into prostitution. Under this scenario, in this paper an attempt has been made to analyze the various deleterious effects of prostitution and its socio-economic and legal impact on the society.

Keyword: Prostitution; Sex work; Trafficking, Victimization, Legalized sex work; Sex trafficking policy.