Human rights perspective of begging in India a socio legal study

Abstract

Human Rights are considered as the most basic requirements necessary for the development of any human being to his/her fullest potential. The mark of a welfare state is its ability to provide a common ground for every individual to engage and grow. newlineBeggars belong to the lowest rung of society in terms of finances as well as societal respect. Begging does not have a precise universal definition but is commonly understood as an act of soliciting assistance in either cash or kind. newlineBlack s Law Dictionary defines a beggar as A person who communicates with people, often in public places asking for money, food or other necessities for personal use, often as a habitual means of making a living. newlineAlthough beggars have been present in society since a very long time, it would not be wrong to term them as the Visibly invisible . Beggars are perceived as troublemakers and mischievous elements unwilling to undertake any occupation. newlineTraditionally, begging has been legislated upon from the standpoint of being a problem criminal in nature, rather than a social problem. The human rights of beggars have been missing in all legislative and policy matter discussions. Any sparse research that has been conducted in relation to begging has been through the lens of kidnapping, trafficking and illegal trade. newlineThe initial position of begging is very closely related to the concept of religious mendicancy. In early society, there is very less recorded presence of beggars. In fact, it is said that the needy would find sustenance from amongst their brethren in the form of hospitality, hence negating the need to beg altogether. Over time, the idea of charity evolved through teachings of religious scriptures. Soon, The Doctrine of Almsgiving was propagated as the new norm in almost all religions. All religions prescribed almsgiving as the route to salvation. newlineRules were established by all religions to regulate almsgiving and they majorly prescribed help for the needy, downtrodden and disabled. newline