Adult Entertainment Laws in India
Sex Work
Legal
Brothels
Banned
Street
Banned
Advertising
Banned
Client Risk
High
Worker Risk
High
Legal Overview
Selling legal for adults but related activities criminalized making practice dangerous.
In Practice
The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1956 technically allows individual sex work but criminalises brothels, pimping, and kerb crawling. Sonagachi in Kolkata is one of Asia's largest red-light districts. Workers face extreme vulnerability due to the legal framework. Decriminalisation is actively advocated.
Last updated: 19 April 2026
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View ListingsFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Prostitution (sex work) is legal in India.
No. Operating a brothel is illegal in India.
No. Street prostitution is prohibited in India.
No. Advertising adult services is prohibited in India.
Clients face a high level of legal risk in India, including the possibility of prosecution. In some countries buying sex is an offence even where selling it is not.
Sex workers face a high level of legal risk in India, including the possibility of prosecution.
The Immoral Traffic Prevention Act 1956 technically allows individual sex work but criminalises brothels, pimping, and kerb crawling. Sonagachi in Kolkata is one of Asia's largest red-light districts. Workers face extreme vulnerability due to the legal framework. Decriminalisation is actively advocated.
Disclaimer: This is general information only, not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current local regulations before acting on this information.