The division bench of Chief Justice M B Shah and S Radhkrishnan was hearing a petition filed by a group Savdhaan against prostitution in public places. Prostitution by minor girls was a serious offence and persons arrested in this regard cannot be released on bail, said the bench. The court has adjourned the matter to Tuesday next, since the government pleader has asked for time to collect data on such arrests.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Nagpada division, today filed an affidavit giving a break-up of raids, arrests and rescue operations conducted in this area. As per the data, 21 minor girls were rescued and 11 brothelkeepers arrested in this regard. All the 11 accused were granted bail by the magistrates. Tha affidavit explained that an independent cell todeal with injustices under the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act had been set up the state government in 1995, headed by deputy inspector general of police, Shreedevi Goel.

However, counsel for petitioners Rajendra Desai and Kiran Kapoor complained about the ineffectiveness of this cell. The government was also giving information only about Nagpada, added the petitioners, and they demanded on other areas of the city as well. The court has directed Savdhan to submit a list of areas where prostitutes were openly being solicited.