#UnsealGangaJamuna: Objection against high handed police action and unjustified invocation of section 144 in the Ganga Jamuna area of Nagpur.
On 11 August 2021, around midday, barricades came up in the Ganga-Jamuna area of Nagpur city, immediately affecting the lives and livelihoods of about 1,200–1,500 sex workers residing and working there. No announcement was made, nor was there any hint that such a dire restriction of mobility was intended. On 13 August, a police order dated 12 August issued by the Lakadganj Police Station, was pasted in the locality, invoking Section 144 Cr Pc prohibiting the assembly of four or more persons, from 11 August to 9 September 2021. There is no valid reason for invoking the powers based on alleged complaints by citizens about “illegal sex trade”. Neither is there any evidence that “ordinary citizens” are facing any insecurity or risks while traversing this area nor that public peace is being threatened.
The notice pasted by the police officers on the face of it shows that it is a false document and a fabricated, antedated order. While the police claims to have invoked 144 on 11 August itself, the order is dated 12th August and pasted in the locality on the 13th. This indicates that there was no intention of invoking any such provision for there existed no such urgency. Instead, the order appears to have been issued to cover up dictatorial orders of cordoning off the locality, thereby putting all sex workers with their children and families in an illegal prison. The stated justification for such high-handedness has no basis in fact. There is no evidence to show that Covid-19 has been on rise in the area. There is no such information with the municipal authorities or the health department. This shows that a false case is being drummed up to exercise power under section 144. It appears that some other interest is being served under the pretext of public inconvenience. The act of the police is in violation of fundamental rights, and completely illegal.
The emerging articulation and direction given to sex worker rights in International and national law and policy is extremely clear and progressive. Denying sex workers the dignity of being workers, is to expose them to violence, deny them access to justice, prevent them from claiming their rights when violated and eventually rendering them most vulnerable to exploitative practices. Organising as informal sector workers gives them the much -needed recognition, dignity and space to claim rights, access government support, access justice when faced with violence.
We, the National Network of Sex Workers, and allies therefore call upon the Nagpur Police to withdraw this ex parte order and restore normal life for ALL ordinary citizens and residents of the Ganga Jamuna area.
Attached below is our letter to the Commisioner of Police, Nagpur City.
Hindi
