SHOULD PROSTITUTION BE MADE COMPLETELY LEGAL IN INDIA, OR SHOULD IT REMAIN WITH LIMITED LEGALITY?

So, I was just going through few articles and statistics, to keep myself from getting bored in the library, and I came across the term ‘Prostitution’, and the biggest question that followed, ‘Should prostitution be made legal in India?’

Before reading this article, you should know that yes, prostitution is legal in India, but the definition is limited to the exchange of money for sex, and does not include pimping, brothel-keeping and soliciting sex in any other way. In other words, prostitution has limited legality in India.

Firstly, for anyone new to this term, prostitution is the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment. This is the definition you’ll find on Google. This is probably the only definition you’ll find anywhere. There has been a huge never-ending argument if this profession (point to be noted: it isn't considered a profession in the first place by many in this country) should be made completely legal or not. Even if it is legal, should it be regulated? Should the law be amended where complete liberty is given to the prostitutes? Should it be made illegal again? There are countries where prostitution is completely legal, few of them are Singapore, Argentina, Belgium, New Zealand, UK and Venezuela. In Afghanistan, Cambodia, Angola, Egypt, Iraq, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE and a few other countries, prostitution is illegal. And then, there are few countries similar to India, like Bangladesh, United States, Australia, Iceland and Malaysia, where the laws show limited legality. 

Few argue that it should be made completely legal. When asked why, the answers held reasons like these; 

1. Prostitution has been around since the beginning of mankind. Most anti-prostitution laws were passed over a 100 years ago. It happens every day throughout the world, so why not make money off it and reduce the risk in it? It is simply two consenting adults exchanging a service for money. It should be as legal as a plumber’s profession or as that of a maid. Also like plumbers, sex workers could also form work unions to gain more rights.
2. The number of rapes would decrease, as desperation would find an outlet.
3. STD's are usually contracted from a non-prostitute, because prostitutes keep themselves in check. So, STD’s would decrease.
4. The fight against human trafficking can be fought in a better way, because people’s legal consent would be obtained without fear. (What?) 
5. It could be taxed and the government could benefit out of it. Not exactly a profit for the client, but still, a profit on the whole.
6. Sex is good for your health and it is scientifically proven. If more people in India have sex, maybe we'd be a little less of an obese country and it may lower heart disease. (Of course!)
7. More jobs, which would reduce unemployment. 
8. If abortion is legal, why not prostitution? We always hear the argument "It's my body..." right? Why doesn't it apply to this subject?
9. People are doing it regardless of what the law says. Drugs can have a negative effect on a person, but prostitution has very few minor downsides, so what’s the harm?
10. There would be less crimes regarding sex.
11. The government would not only be able to make money of taxed prostitution, but save on various places where they have to invest, like the police, the prison, etc. It’s beneficial for the country. 
12. If the woman is encouraged to use her mind and make a living, why can’t she be allowed to use her body?

Few, on the other hand, were against prostitution being made legal and wanted the status to change. Reasons are as follows:

1. There is a huge risk that a person might get affected by HIV/AIDS.
2. There are other ways to make a living. There are so many other jobs, then why this?
3. Women have other choices, but it is cheap to find an easy way out.
4. It is wrong to women to sell their bodies, because it is disrespectful.
5. It makes the men look like they are the dominant sector of the society and use women. (Aren't there male prostitutes too?)
6. Real men don’t buy women.
7. As a prostitute get’s older, you really think she’ll be able to continue as a prostitute? What will she do for a living then?
8. High risk of dying.
9. Men can rape these prostitutes, but find an easy way out by stating that it is legal.
10. There are not only women who are prostitutes; there are also children who are prostitutes, who have been forced into this profession. How fair is that?
11. It affects the moral status of the society.
12. The prostitutes might turn into drug addicts and alcoholics or support these illegal activities.
13. Health related issues will emerge, and respect in the society will founder.
14. Prostitutes might not find other jobs, and they would also have no one who could take care of them, causing emotional and psychological damage, depression and loneliness.
15. Have sex, but not on the streets or in a strangers car. Keep it classy and less trashy. It’s called making love for a reason.

After the survey, I decided not to take sides when writing about this issue, but to ask a simple yet complicated question to you readers, “What is your opinion about this issue?” 

(Please comment below.)