Prerana v. State of Maharashtra

After a police raid on a brothel, four pimps were arrested and twenty-four women and girls were taken into custody. The magistrate ordered medical examinations to determine, among other things, the women’s ages. He then ordered the release of those aged 18 and over, and a few days later ordered the release of the minor girls, stating that they had expressed a desire to be released. The Court held that this violated the Juvenile Justice Act, as only a Child Welfare Board is authorized to decide on the release and rehabilitation of minors. It issued guidelines for courts handling cases involving girls removed from brothels. The decision is significant because victims of trafficking may require counseling and medical services to prevent re-victimization.

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