Supreme Court Orders Creation of Central Database for Tracking Missing Children
- ByAdmin --
- 31 May 2025 --
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The Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to the Centre for the establishment of a comprehensive central database dedicated to tracking missing children across the country. Recognizing the grave concerns surrounding child safety and the challenges faced in locating missing minors, the Court emphasized the urgent need for a unified and efficient system to aid law enforcement agencies and child protection organizations.
Background
India has long grappled with the issue of missing children, which includes cases of abduction, trafficking, and runaways. Despite various efforts, the fragmented data systems and lack of coordination among states hamper timely identification and recovery of missing minors.
The Supreme Court’s order seeks to address these deficiencies by mandating a centralized mechanism that aggregates real-time information on missing children, enabling quicker responses and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.
Legal and Constitutional Context
The Court’s decision draws upon several legal provisions aimed at child protection and the state’s duty to safeguard minors:
- The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 mandates the protection, care, and rehabilitation of children in need.
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 ensures the safety of children against sexual abuse.
- The Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees protection of life, including children’s safety.
- The National Policy for Children, 2013, which calls for integrated approaches toward child welfare.
Key Features of the Court’s Directive
- Centralized Database: The Court has ordered the creation of a single national database accessible by all states and union territories to record details of missing children, including photographs, biometric data, last known location, and circumstances of disappearance.
- Real-Time Updates: The system should be continuously updated with new information to facilitate rapid action.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: The database should promote collaboration between the police, child welfare committees, NGOs, and other agencies.
- Data Security and Privacy: Appropriate safeguards must be put in place to protect sensitive information, respecting children’s privacy rights.
- Integration with Existing Systems: The database should link with platforms such as the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and other relevant portals.
Challenges Addressed
The Supreme Court’s order confronts multiple challenges in the current system:
- Data Fragmentation: Diverse and disconnected records maintained by states.
- Delayed Reporting: Lack of timely updates and communication.
- Jurisdictional Issues: Difficulty in tracking children who cross state or national borders.
- Limited Public Awareness: Insufficient dissemination of information that could aid recovery.
Broader Impact
Establishing a central database is expected to:
- Enhance efficiency in locating missing children.
- Improve preventive measures through data analytics.
- Strengthen accountability of law enforcement.
- Support families and communities in tracing missing minors.
Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s directive urges the Centre to:
- Collaborate with state governments for seamless implementation.
- Allocate necessary resources and technology.
- Train personnel on data handling and child protection protocols.
- Develop public outreach programs to raise awareness.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s order for a centralized missing children database underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable minors and ensuring their right to safety. By mandating a unified tracking system, the Court aims to transform child protection efforts in India, making them more coordinated, transparent, and effective. This initiative is a vital step toward safeguarding children’s futures and upholding their fundamental rights under the law.
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