ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the new Trafficking of Persons Bill 2018 (ToP Bill) and its complex consequences on the lives of women in commercial sex industries. Specific focus will be on critically analysing the ways in which notions of ‘trafficking’ and ‘rescue’ are constructed within the anti-trafficking discourse in Assam and how this new legislation will embolden this discourse. The chapter is based on data collected from case studies, informal interactions with shelter home inmates as well as women in sex work (current and past), and interviews of women who were/are in sex work and anti-trafficking personnel. Agreeing with numerous existing research and recent reports of complex consequences of ‘rescue’ and ‘rehabilitation’ as is largely currently practiced, this chapter argues that for sustainable combatting of sex trafficking and exploitation within commercial sex industries, anti-trafficking policies must emerge from the complex and varied standpoints of women. The ToP Bill 2018 contradicts such intentions.
