BANGALORE: A group of progressive thinkers on Tuesday petitioned chief minister Siddaramaiah to legalize prostitution in the state.

The group, involving writers and dalit welfare activists Indudhara Honnapura, Leela Sampige, Mavalli Shankar, Agni Sridhar and NV Narasimhappa submitted a petition to the CM during Janata Darshan.

The petition follows a recent statement from celebrated poet KS Nisar Ahmed that prostitution should be legalized in order to prevent the rising sexual atrocities on women.

Nisar Ahmed, best known for his songs Nityotsava, Kurigalu Saar Kurigalu and other literary works, maintained that prostitution is prevalent in the state. “If sex workers are given a place to carry out their trade, not only will the illegal practice be checked, but sexual atrocities on women will also be reduced,” he said, urging the government to take a decision after a detailed study and discussion.

The CM received the petition, but did not react.

In their petition, the thinkers maintain that in 2012, the Supreme Court directed state governments to give a status report on sex workers in their states. “So far, none of the governments have submitted reports,” Honnapura said.

Information minister Roshan Baig said prostitution cannot be legalized in Karnataka. “India is still conservative and legalizing prostitution would lead to negative repercussions,” he said.