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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to stay technologically updated to efficiently handle cases of missing children and human trafficking in an era of technological advancements.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma highlighted the evolving sophistication of offenders in exploiting cyberspace for criminal activities, urging investigative agencies to invest resources in training and workshops.

Justice Sharma proposed the development of a user-friendly handbook condensing key Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) details. This handbook should be readily available in every police station across Delhi to facilitate quick reference during investigations.

The court recognized the role of investigating agencies as a hope for relatives and parents of missing children, emphasizing the importance of specialized training for efficient handling of such cases.

The court issued directions, including the formulation and maintenance of a standardized checklist at all police stations to guide investigating officers. This checklist should provide a comprehensive guide, and specific time frames for each procedure should be incorporated to ensure accountability and swift resolution in sensitive cases, the court said. 

Justice Sharma urged regular reviews of the SOP and standing orders by concerned ministries and state authorities to adapt to changing times.

The court underscored the guiding philosophy in investigating missing child cases, emphasizing the need for law enforcement agencies to collectively work towards locating missing children promptly, restoring them to their guardians, and ensuring offenders face legal consequences.

Justice Sharma stressed the importance of initiatives drawing insights from both national and global contexts, highlighting the necessity for advanced investigation techniques, including specialized training in cyber-enabled investigation methods.

The comprehensive approach advocated by the court aims to equip investigators with the latest tools and methodologies, addressing challenges posed by traditional and cyber-enabled crimes.

The court's proactive stance aims to ensure a swift and effective response to cases involving missing children and human trafficking, considering the evolving dynamics of an increasingly digitized and interconnected world.

The directives were issued in response to a plea filed by a man whose 16-year-old daughter had gone missing. The case highlighted procedural lapses in the methods adopted by police officials for locating missing children.

The court's directions aim to enhance preparedness and efficiency in handling such cases, leveraging technological advancements to reunite families and combat human trafficking.

Case Title: Lamboder Jha v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.