The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in child trafficking cases across the country, warning that the situation could spiral out of control if immediate action is not taken by States and Union Territories.
A bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice K V Viswanathan, while hearing a plea on Wednesday, observed that organised gangs are actively operating nationwide. The court emphasized that while judicial monitoring is possible, the primary responsibility lies with state governments, police authorities, and administrative agencies.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction over the “lackadaisical” approach of several states and UTs in implementing its April 15, 2025 judgment, which aimed at dismantling organised trafficking networks. The judgment had mandated completion of trials in trafficking cases within six months on a day-to-day basis, strengthening of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs), and improved investigation standards.
The court had also directed the formation of state-level committees to monitor trafficking-prone areas and instructed authorities to treat all missing children cases as trafficking unless proven otherwise.
Highlighting poor compliance, the bench noted that states including Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, and Punjab have failed to submit reports in the prescribed format. The court termed some of the submitted compliance reports as “nothing but an eye wash.”
When the Home Secretary of Madhya Pradesh tendered an apology, the court granted a final opportunity but warned that continued non-compliance would result in states being officially labelled as “defaulting.”
The bench further observed that at least 15 states are yet to constitute review committees required to identify and monitor vulnerable areas. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 29.
The Supreme Court reiterated that strong political and administrative will is essential to effectively combat child trafficking and safeguard vulnerable children across the country.
