The Supreme Court has criticized various states and authorities for their lack of response in a human trafficking and missing persons case. The Court has directed the creation of a nationwide Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) after no appearance was made on behalf of the Union of India and states like Haryana, Mizoram, Kerala, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Directors General of Police (DGPs) of these states have been ordered to submit personally affirmed affidavits by April 16 to explain their absence.
The Court emphasized that failure to comply with the directive will result in severe consequences, with non-appearance leading to possible contempt notices. It stressed the urgent need for a consistent and efficient response system and requested detailed affidavits from the Union of India, states, and Union Territories outlining the procedures to be followed in such cases. The Court highlighted the importance of immediate police action in cases of human trafficking and missing persons, underscoring the time-sensitive nature of these incidents.
To streamline the process, the apex court instructed the Union Home Secretary, state counterparts, and Directors General of Police to collaborate with stakeholders and present concrete suggestions within a month. These recommendations will be used to develop a pan-India SOP under the Union Home Ministry’s supervision. Additionally, the Court mandated a review of existing guidelines, the involvement of specialized anti-trafficking agencies, and the formation of a core committee to ensure the effectiveness of the final SOP. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with providing support to the committee, and the next hearing is scheduled for April 21.
