The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Delhi Police on a petition alleging serious lapses in the post-rescue handling of minor girls rescued from a commercial sexual exploitation racket in the capital.
Justice Ravinder Dudeja, in an order dated May 21, issued notice to the Delhi Police and other concerned authorities, directing them to file a status report within four weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 17.
The petition was filed by two child rights organisations — including Just Rights for Children Alliance — and represented by advocate Prabhsahay Kaur. It alleges that the police failed to comply with mandatory legal procedures under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
According to the plea, on December 4 and 12, 2024, the petitioners assisted police in conducting raids in Delhi’s Burari area, resulting in the rescue of eight minor girls. However, the petitioners claim the police did not produce the girls before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as legally required, and instead released them without adequate safeguards, potentially returning them to unsafe environments.
The plea argues that such a violation of statutory and constitutional mandates not only undermines the victims’ protection but also exposes them to a high risk of re-trafficking.
Despite approaching senior police officers, including the Joint Commissioner of Police, no corrective action was taken, the petitioners said.
The High Court’s intervention now puts the spotlight on the accountability of law enforcement agencies in following due procedures in child protection and anti-trafficking cases.
