Delhi High Court Raises Alarm on Child Trafficking at Railway Stations

The Delhi High Court issued a notice on Wednesday to the Delhi government and other authorities following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlights grave concerns about child trafficking at railway stations within the national capital. The PIL was presented by Just Rights for Children Alliance and the Association for Voluntary Action, underscoring serious lapses in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficked children.

The court, presided by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, noted the severe persistence of child trafficking despite previously established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by the Railways and other authorities. The court has instructed the Delhi government and the Department of Women and Child Development to submit detailed replies within four weeks, while also seeking responses from the Union Ministry of Railways, Delhi Police Commissioner, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

The NCPCR is also tasked with providing data on child trafficking cases from Delhi within six weeks. Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur highlighted a case where a minor was rescued but not presented before child welfare authorities, resulting in her return to work at the station. The court expressed serious concern over the government's response, demanding effective measures to tackle this issue. (ANI)