The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the alarming rise in child trafficking cases across the country, warning states and Union Territories that organized gangs are actively operating and the situation could spiral out of control without immediate intervention.
A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan, while hearing a plea on Wednesday, underscored the urgency of the issue and called upon state governments to act with vigilance and accountability.
“Child trafficking is at a rampage. There are gangs operating across the country. If you do not pay attention, things will go beyond control,” Justice Pardiwala observed, stressing that effective action rests primarily with state governments, their Home Departments, police, and enforcement agencies.
The bench made it clear that while the judiciary can monitor the situation, the responsibility for ground-level action lies with the states.
Taking note of lapses in compliance, the apex court granted a final opportunity to several states and Union Territories to implement its earlier directions issued in the April 15, 2025 judgment aimed at dismantling organised trafficking networks. It cautioned that failure to submit compliance reports would result in them being classified as “defaulting” states.
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The 2025 verdict had mandated a series of institutional reforms, including the completion of trafficking-related trials within six months on a day-to-day basis. It also directed the establishment of state-level committees to monitor vulnerable trafficking hotspots and instructed authorities to treat all cases of missing children as potential trafficking cases unless proven otherwise.
During the hearing, the amicus curiae informed the court that at least 15 states have yet to constitute the required monitoring committees. Taking a stern view, the bench directed these states to file affidavits detailing the constitution and functioning of such committees by April 18.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 29, with the court expected to review compliance status and assess the progress made by states in tackling the growing menace.
