SC Flags Serious Lapses by States in Tackling Child Trafficking

NEW DELHI, Apr 9: The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over rising cases of child trafficking across the country, urging states and Union Territories to treat the issue with urgency and act in a coordinated manner to prevent it from spiralling out of control.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan said that while the court can monitor developments, the primary responsibility lies with state governments, police and concerned agencies to act decisively.

The court criticised the “lackadaisical” approach of several states and UTs in implementing its April 15, 2025 judgment aimed at dismantling organised trafficking networks. It noted that effective action requires stronger political and administrative will.

The 2025 verdict had directed completion of trials in trafficking cases within six months on a day-to-day basis, strengthening of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), and improvement in investigation standards. It also mandated the setting up of state-level committees to monitor vulnerable areas and directed authorities to treat missing children cases as trafficking unless proven otherwise.

The bench observed that compliance by many states has been inadequate, with earlier reports termed as “nothing but an eye wash.” On Wednesday, it pointed out that states including Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha and Punjab had failed to submit reports in the prescribed format.

Granting a “final opportunity” to defaulting states, the court warned that continued non-compliance would result in them being officially labelled as defaulters.

The bench further noted that at least 15 states are yet to constitute review committees to identify and monitor trafficking-prone areas. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 29. (Agencies)