The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the rampant rise in child trafficking within the national capital, remarkably describing the city as having become a “mandi” (market) for the illegal trade of minors.
A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notices to the Ministry of Railways, the Delhi Government, the Delhi Police, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the blatant nature of these crimes at railway stations and surrounding areas.
The PIL, moved by the Just Rights for Children Alliance, raised alarms over the “alarming surge” in crimes against children occurring on railway premises and trains. The petitioner alleged that despite existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the identification, rescue, and rehabilitation of victimized children, authorities are acting in “gross violation” of these protocols, leading to a miscarriage of justice and the re-trafficking of rescued minors.
During the hearing, the Bench observed that judicial interventions in the past have failed to curb the crisis. The Court noted that while measures have been technically adopted by the railways and police, a lack of effective implementation has left the situation unchanged.
“Delhi has become a mandi now for child trafficking, and for ascertaining this fact, you need not go through the petition. Just roam around for two hours,” the Bench remarked.
In its formal order, the Court stated:
“It is common knowledge that trafficking of children of tender age is rampant. This court has time and again expressed concerns and issued directions. However, the menace is unabated.”
Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing the petitioner, presented startling data to the Court. She revealed that the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued over 84,000 children from railway premises between 2018 and 2024.
The petitioner highlighted a specific instance of systemic failure involving a young girl rescued at Anand Vihar Railway Station. Instead of being produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) as mandated by law, the girl was allegedly handed back to the traffickers. She was only recovered later during a subsequent raid.
The petition argued that the Ministry of Railways and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had already notified SOPs to handle such cases, but the “blatant” disregard for these rules has created a cycle of re-trafficking.
The High Court has sought a detailed response from the state and central authorities. Specifically, it has tasked the NCPCR with providing comprehensive data and suggestions to help the Court frame “appropriate directions” to address the crisis.
The Court emphasized that it aims to ensure strict compliance with existing SOPs and to establish a mechanism that guarantees rescued children are not returned to their abusers.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 10.
