The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Union Ministry of Railways, Delhi Police and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) highlighting concerns over child trafficking from railway stations in the capital.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia expressed strong concern over the situation, remarking that Delhi has effectively become a hub for child trafficking. The Court pointed out that a brief visit to major railway stations like New Delhi and Nizamuddin would reveal the gravity of the issue.
Further, the bench observed that despite repeated judicial directions, child trafficking continues unchecked due to poor implementation of existing measures and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs). It noted that while frameworks have been put in place, their ineffective enforcement has failed to bring any real improvement.
Calling the problem “rampant,” the Court emphasised that trafficking of young children remains a serious and persistent concern. It directed authorities to explain the steps being taken and why earlier directions have not yielded results.
The Court also asked the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to submit detailed data on child trafficking in Delhi to assist in framing stronger measures.
Notices have been issued to all concerned authorities, including the Delhi government’s Department of Women and Child Development, the Railways, the Police Commissioner, and NCPCR, directing them to file their responses within the stipulated time.
Appearing for the petitioner organisations—Just Rights for Children Alliance and Association for Voluntary Action—advocate Prabhsahay Kaur highlighted lapses on the ground. She cited a case where a rescued minor was not handed over to child welfare authorities and was later found working again at the same location, pointing to instances of re-trafficking.
She further submitted that over 84,000 children have been trafficked in the last six years, as per data from the Railways, stressing that despite the existence of SoPs, enforcement remains weak. It was also clarified that railway police function under the district police, making the issue primarily the responsibility of state law enforcement.
