<h4>Introduction to the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956</h4><p>The <strong>Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA)</strong> is a pivotal legislation in India. It was enacted to combat and prevent immoral trafficking, primarily concerning prostitution and the exploitation of individuals for commercial sexual purposes. The Act aims to abolish traffic in persons and rehabilitate victims.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>ITPA, 1956</strong>, replaced the earlier <strong>Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act (SITA), 1956</strong>, broadening its scope to include all persons, not just women and girls.</p></div><h4>The Kerala High Court's Landmark Ruling</h4><p>Recently, the <strong>Kerala High Court</strong> delivered a significant interpretation that has expanded the ambit of the ITPA. This ruling specifically addresses the definition of the term <strong>'procure'</strong> as outlined in <strong>Section 5</strong> of the Act.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>Kerala High Court</strong> has <strong>widened the definition</strong> of <strong>'procure'</strong> in <strong>Section 5</strong> of the <strong>Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956</strong>.</p></div><p>Crucially, this expanded definition now explicitly includes <strong>customers seeking the services of prostitutes</strong>. This interpretation marks a strategic shift towards addressing the <strong>demand side</strong> of immoral trafficking, which is often considered a key driver of the illicit trade.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>By including customers, the ruling aims to hold individuals who fuel the demand for commercial sexual exploitation accountable, thereby strengthening efforts to prevent human trafficking.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>This judicial interpretation is vital for <strong>UPSC Mains GS Paper II (Social Justice)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper I (Social Issues)</strong>, particularly when discussing women's rights, vulnerable sections, and the effectiveness of anti-trafficking laws.</p></div>