The Supreme Court of India has raised serious alarm bells over the staggering number of children who go missing across the country every year, describing it as a grave and serious issue that demands immediate attention from state governments.
Shocking Statistics Reveal National Crisis
During a recent hearing that has sent shockwaves through child protection circles, the apex court revealed startling data showing that 1.6 lakh children were reported missing across India between 2021 and 2022. Even more concerning is the fact that approximately 40,000 of these children remain untraced, leaving families in perpetual anguish and uncertainty.
The bench comprising Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar expressed deep concern over these numbers while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the child rights organization founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi.
Judicial Intervention and State Accountability
The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance on this issue, directing state governments to provide detailed explanations about the measures they are taking to address this crisis. The court specifically questioned why some states had failed to comply with earlier directives regarding the implementation of tracking systems for missing children.
Justice S. Ravindra Bhat made a crucial observation during the proceedings, noting that the problem is not just about numbers but about the systemic failure to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. The bench emphasized that every missing child represents not just a statistic but a life potentially exposed to trafficking, exploitation, and unimaginable suffering.
Tracking Mechanisms and Government Response
The court proceedings brought to light significant gaps in the implementation of the TrackChild portal, a central government initiative designed to help track missing and found children. Despite being operational for several years, many states have shown poor compliance in updating and maintaining this crucial database.
Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the central government, informed the court that advisories have been issued to all states and union territories regarding the proper use of the TrackChild portal. However, the court noted that mere advisories are insufficient when dealing with such an urgent matter concerning child safety.
The Supreme Court has given state governments a strict deadline to file their responses and demonstrate concrete actions taken to address this crisis. The bench made it clear that it expects state governments to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and implement robust mechanisms for both preventing such disappearances and ensuring speedy recovery of missing children.
This judicial intervention comes at a critical time when child rights activists have been repeatedly highlighting the connection between missing children and human trafficking networks. The court's strong stance is being seen as a much-needed push for state authorities to prioritize child protection and strengthen preventive measures.
