Alliance University and KSLSA Partner for Anti-Trafficking Initiative
The Legal Services Clinic of Alliance School of Law, part of Alliance University, collaborated with Maarga and the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) to conduct a legal awareness program. This initiative, held on July 30, aligned with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons under the theme “Trapped Behind the Mask.” The event took place at Dr. BR Ambedkar Samudhaya Bhavan in Rajendra Nagar slum, Bengaluru, and drew nearly 100 participants, primarily women, from the LR Nagar, Rajendra Nagar, and Ambedkar Nagar areas within the jurisdiction of Audugodi Police Station.
Addressing Key Issues: Trafficking and Legal Protections
The program aimed to educate the community on critical issues such as human trafficking, cyber-enabled exploitation, child marriage, and the legal protections available to vulnerable populations. As the chief guest, Shridhara M, Senior Civil Judge and Deputy Secretary of KSLSA, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the pivotal role of Legal Services Authorities in ensuring justice for women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and economically disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, he informed attendees about the free legal consultation and aid services provided by the District Legal Services Authority.
Expanding the Scope of Trafficking Awareness
Shridhara M emphasized that trafficking has expanded beyond sexual exploitation, now encompassing issues such as bonded labor, forced labor, and organ trafficking. He warned against the misuse of social media platforms for online grooming, deepfakes, and financial fraud. Additionally, he explained the legal ramifications of child marriage as outlined in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Community Insights and Future Initiatives
Rajendra Prabhakar, Executive Director of Maarga, addressed the alarming rise in missing women and girls in India, dubbing trafficking as one of the most lucrative forms of organized crime worldwide. He highlighted local residents’ concerns about suspicious activities involving young girls and called for stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Prof. Sofiul Ahmad, an Assistant Professor of Law at Alliance School of Law, discussed how traffickers often lure victims with fraudulent job or skill development offers. He noted an increase in online scams and fake recruitment agencies targeting both men and women post-pandemic, urging participants to verify job offers and refrain from sharing personal documents with strangers online.
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Professor Sivamanithan S mentioned that the event concluded a 15-day anti-trafficking campaign led by the Legal Services Clinic and Maarga across the three localities, involving law students in direct community engagement. Manjula, Coordinator at Maarga, shared that the organization has been working with Bengaluru’s slum communities for two decades and currently supports around 9,000 families.
Addressing Long-standing Community Concerns
Maarga, along with the Bhema Jyothi Mahila Sangha of Rajendra Nagar, submitted a memorandum to Shridhara M highlighting long-pending issues such as difficulties in obtaining identity documents, accessing welfare schemes, and securing civic amenities in rehabilitation settlements. In response, Shridhara M assured that these concerns would be addressed with the relevant authorities and proposed establishing a Legal Aid Clinic in the locality.
The Legal Services Clinic, KSLSA, and Maarga pledged to continue their collaborative efforts in legal awareness initiatives throughout the region.
