The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

Section 3. Brackets and figure "(1)" omitted by s. 12, ibid . (w.e.f. 26-1-1987)

In force · As amended up to 2026-08

3. Brackets and figure "(1)" omitted by s. 12, ibid . (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 4. Subs. by Act 46 of 1978, s. 6, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1979). 5. Subs. by Act 44 of 1986, s. 12, for certain words (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 6. Omitted by s. 12, ibid . (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 7. Subs. by Act 46 of 1978, s. 7, for section 10 (w.e.f. 2-10-1979). 8. The words, brackets and figures "and is not released under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 10" omitted byAct 44 of 1986, s. 14, (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). (4) The conditions on which an offender is discharged under sub-section (3), may include requirements relating to residence of the offender and supervision over the offender's activities and movements.] 3. Punishment for keeping a brothel or allowing premises to be used as a brothel. —(1) Any person who keeps or manages, or acts or assists in the keeping or management of, a brothel shall be punishable on first conviction with rigorous imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than three years and also with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees and in the event of a second or subsequent conviction, with rigorous imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than five years and also with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees. (2) Any person who— (a) being the tenant, lessee, occupier or person in charge of any premises, uses, or knowingly allows any other person to use, such premises or any part thereof as a brothel, or (b) being the owner, lessor or landlord of any premises or the agent of such owner, lessor or landlord, lets the same or any part thereof with the knowledge that the same or any part thereof is intended to be used as a brothel, or is wilfully a party to the use of such premises or any part thereof as a brothel, shall be punishable on first conviction with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years and with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees and in the event of a second or subsequent conviction, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and also with fine. 8[(2A) For the purposes of sub-section (2), it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that any person referred to in clause (a) or clause (b) of that sub-section, is knowingly allowing the premises or any part thereof to be used as a brothel or, as the case may be, has knowledge that the premises or any part thereof are beig used as a brothel, if,— (a) a report is published in a newspaper having circulation in the area in which such person resides to the effect that the premises or any part thereof have been found to be used for prostitution as a result of a search made under this Act; or 1. Subs. by Act 46 of 1978, s. 2, for clauses (f) and (g) (w.e.f. 2-10-1979). 2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1986, s. 5, for clause (f) (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 3. Subs. by s. 2, ibid. , for "women and girls" (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 4. Ins. by s. 5, ibid . (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 5. Subs. by s. 5, ibid ., for "female undertrials" (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 6. Subs. by s. 5, ibid ., for clause (j) (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). 7. Ins. by Act 46 of 1978, s. 3 (w.e.f. 2-10-1979). 8. Ins. by Act 44 of 1986, s. 6 (w.e.f. 26-1-1987). (b) a copy of the list of all things found during the search referred to in clause (a) is given to such person.] (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, on conviction of any person referred to in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (2) of any offence under that sub-section in respect of any premises or any part thereof, any lease or agreement under which such premises have been leased out or are held or occupied at the time of the commission of the offence, shall become void and inoperative with effect from the date of the said conviction.

Source: India Code