The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre and Delhi Police to respond to a petition demanding strict enforcement of statutory protocols for missing persons investigations. The petition was filed by the NGO Freedom Reclaimed, citing concerns over procedural lapses and delays in handling such cases.
Petition Highlights Rising Missing Persons Cases
The petition follows reports indicating that 807 people went missing in Delhi during the first two weeks of January 2026. Delhi Police, however, later clarified that the data had been amplified via paid promotions and warned against spreading panic for monetary gain.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia scheduled the next hearing for February 18.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken suo motu cognisance of the reports and issued notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
Legal Framework and Alleged Lapses
The NGO highlighted that despite a robust legal framework governing missing persons investigations—including directives from the Supreme Court, Delhi Police Standing Orders, and a December 2016 Ministry of Home Affairs SOP—authorities have failed to comply.
The petition stated:
“The statutory mandate of immediacy has been reduced to a formality. FIR registrations are delayed, complaints face procedural hesitation, and the critical ‘Golden Hour’ following a disappearance is often ignored.”
Technological Tools Underutilized
Freedom Reclaimed also pointed out that advanced tools, such as the Facial Recognition System (FRS) and NCRB databases, are underutilized during initial investigations. Delayed or absent use of these technologies reduces the chances of early detection and recovery, particularly in cases involving children.
The petition urges authorities to strictly enforce protocols and effectively use technological resources to strengthen time-sensitive missing persons investigations in the Capital.
