Quick Summary: In an important decision by the Bombay High Court, the court has decided to release a woman, Aarti Deshmukh, from a protective home where she was kept against her will. This decision, announced by Judge N.J. Jamadar on January 16, 2026, highlights the importance of personal freedom and basic rights.
On April 19, 2025, the police carried out a raid at Hotel Vijay Lodging in Yeola, Maharashtra. Aarti Deshmukh and four others were found, and two people were arrested under a law against human trafficking. The Magistrate ordered Aarti Deshmukh to stay in a protective home in Nashik for one year, saying it was because she had no family or income.
Aarti Deshmukh, along with two others, fought against this order. They argued that keeping her there was unfair, especially since Aarti Deshmukh was not accused of any crime. The Sessions Judge rejected their plea, saying the detention was needed to stop her from going back to sex work.
Judge N.J. Jamadar listened to the case and decided in favor of Aarti Deshmukh. The court pointed out that:
"The need to keep Aarti Deshmukh in a protective home should have been decided based on her constitutional rights to personal freedom and basic liberty."
The court referred to past cases, stressing that the law against human trafficking is not meant to punish victims. It also noted that the Magistrate should have talked to a group of respected people before making such a decision.
The court's decision to release Aarti Deshmukh underscores the importance of personal freedom and the protection of individual rights, especially for those who have been exploited. This sets a standard for similar cases, ensuring that victims are treated with dignity and respect.
