New Delhi, March 30: The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of multiple states and authorities for their lack of response in a case related to human trafficking and missing persons. The court has warned of contempt proceedings and instructed the creation of a nationwide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address these issues.
In its ruling, a Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan noted that despite notices being served, the Union of India and several states—including Haryana, Mizoram, Kerala, Odisha, and Maharashtra—failed to appear.
Taking serious exception to the failure to respond, the Court ordered that the Directors General of Police (DGPs) from the defaulting states must file personally affirmed affidavits by April 16, explaining their non-appearance. The court warned that failure to submit these affidavits would result in the DGPs being personally summoned to appear before the Court.
The Bench, led by Justice Amanullah, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “If no such affidavit is filed by them by 16.04.2026, no excuse for their non-appearance shall be accepted," adding that contempt notices may follow non-compliance.
The Supreme Court underscored the urgent need for a coordinated and efficient response system. It directed the Union of India, state governments, and Union Territories to submit detailed affidavits outlining practical procedures to handle missing persons cases. Importantly, the Court clarified that it was seeking actionable solutions, not just theoretical frameworks, stressing that the focus should be on creating a feasible and immediate strategy that can be implemented at the local police station level.
Acknowledging the time-sensitive nature of such cases, particularly those involving human trafficking and child abduction, the Court highlighted that the immediate response of the police is critical. "In these matters, time is of the essence," the order stated. The Court further directed that the case should remain active, not merely in official records but in practice, until the missing person is located.
To ensure the smooth implementation of these measures, the Court instructed the Union Home Secretary and their counterparts in the states and Union Territories, along with the DGPs, to engage with all stakeholders and submit comprehensive suggestions within a month. These recommendations will be consolidated under the Union Home Ministry's guidance to develop a nationwide SOP.
