LI Network
Published on: December 11, 2023 at 09:50 IST
The Delhi High Court recently addressed challenges faced by investigating officers in cases involving missing children by issuing a set of guidelines to reinforce existing standing orders and standard operating procedures [Lamboder Jha vs Govt NCT Of Delhi & Ors]. This initiative came during the hearing of a case filed by the father of a 16-year-old girl who went missing in July.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma emphasized the need for additional guidelines to assist investigating officers and serve the public’s interest.
The court highlighted the importance of providing the best and safest environment for children, describing them as “the most valuable treasures of an emergent Dynamic Bharat.”
The case involved a 16-year-old girl who was found 17 days after going missing. While it was revealed that she left voluntarily due to a misunderstanding with her parents, the father raised concerns about the police’s alleged negligence in responding to his complaint.
To address these issues, the Court issued several key directives:
- Translation of SOP:
The SOP and Standing Orders for missing children cases by the Delhi Police should be translated into widely spoken languages in Delhi, such as Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. This is aimed at ensuring a clear understanding among police personnel. - Training Modules and Ready-to-Use Handbook:
The Delhi Police Academy is instructed to create learning modules for police personnel and provide training to newly recruited officials. A user-friendly ready-to-use handbook condensing key procedures should be developed for quick reference at each police station. - Standardized Checklist:
The Court mandated the formulation and maintenance of a standardized checklist in all police stations to guide investigating officers. This checklist should include specific timeframes for each procedure, promoting accountability and expeditious resolution. - Technological Advancements:
Emphasizing the importance of modern investigative techniques, the Court urged investigating agencies to learn cyber-enabled investigation techniques and gain expertise from global practices, especially in cases involving human trafficking. - Periodic Review:
Authorities are required to conduct periodic reviews of the SOP and Standing Orders to ensure they remain relevant in changing times. - Duty of Complainants:
The Court addressed instances where parents or guardians locate a missing child but fail to inform the investigating agency. It mandated that complaints about missing children include a provision specifying that if the parents or guardians discover the child’s whereabouts, the investigating officer must be promptly and mandatorily informed within 48 hours.
With these directives, the Court concluded the petition, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to handling cases of missing children.