(a) whether the Union Government is aware of the continued practice of Devadasi System in
Karnataka and other parts of the country;
(b) if so, the steps taken to abolish this practice;
(c) whether the cases have been registered in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith actions taken thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD
DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a)&(b) As per information received from State Governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra,
the custom of Devadasi is in practice in these States. These States have Acts on prohibition and
dedication of Devadasis. The States are also undertaking measures for providing welfare and
rehabilitation of Devadasis. As far as Ministry of Women and Child Development is concerned,
the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) supplemented by the Indian Penal Code
prohibits trafficking in human beings including children for purposes of prostitution and lays
down severe penalties for traffickers. The ITPA is now proposed to be further amended
providing for more stringent punishment for trafficking in persons including children. The
Ministry of Women and Child Development conducts advocacy, awareness generation,
sensitization programmes for prevention of trafficking for prostitution, including traditional
practices of devadasis.
(c)&(d) As per information received from Government of Karnataka, 46 cases have been
registered against the practice of Devadasis and are under trial in different courts.