Must file FIR for every missing person, says SC in bid to curb human trafficking
This is a re-clarification on a May 22 order which states interpreted only in the sense of registerin FIRs against “missing children” and not "missing people.
The Supreme Court has ordered all states and Union territories (UTs) to register first information reports (FIRs) for every missing person, regardless of their age or gender. The court expressed shock that some states believed the previous directive only applied to missing children, calling this interpretation "deliberate and mala fide."
Chief secretaries and directors general of police found to have failed to comply with the May 22 order will face contempt proceedings and must personally attend court to explain the lapses. The court emphasized that the term "person" means every person without exception. Failure to comply with the order will result in contempt notices and officers being required to remain in court to defend their non-compliance.
The court's actions aim to curb human trafficking by ensuring timely registration of FIRs and involving specialized units in cases where trafficking is suspected.
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