Legal Scene

The Beggary Prevention Act in India makes it illegal for people to beg. However, what is surprising is that begging is almost like an industry now. Handicapped beggars are usually left alone by the Anti-Beggar squad while the others are rounded up, even though it is the handicapped ones who are generally employed by the Beggar Mafia. This usually leads to more instances of forced maiming of beggars. Clearly, handicapped beggars are better earners and the Beggar Mafia ensures that they stay on the street. Local enforcement officials are encouraged to look away. While beggars are treated as criminals and some undergo punishment of up to one year in detention centres, the Beggar Mafia remain unpunished. 


Although the recent news reports on the Beggar Mafia’s operations in India led to an outrage among the general public, little action was taken against the guilty because of the lack of adequate laws to curb this menace.