An Analysis of Anti-Begging Policy in India

Abstract

Despite India's tremendous economic progress, begging as a societal problem has been in our society since the beginning of human civilization and continues to exist now, despite our government's efforts to eradicate it through a variety of policies and regulations. We do not have a national law against begging, but each state has enacted its own anti-begging legislation. Despite any proof of misuse and without any presumption of criminal behaviour among the already disadvantaged portion of society, beggary laws continue to exist in Indian jurisprudence. Anti- begging laws in India have an unfair limitation on begging, which deprives beggars who rely on begging as a last alternative for existence and violates their fundamental rights. As a result, beggary has become a very significant issue to be aware of. Despite its best efforts, India has not been able to resolve this socioeconomic issue. So, in some ways, the research focused on India's present beggary laws, whether they criminalize beggary and if the punitive approach is appropriate, and if not, what strategy should be used and what measures should be done to ensure successful execution.