Home / Crime and Justice / Delhi: Child Trafficking 'Mandi' Unabated, Court Warns
Delhi: Child Trafficking 'Mandi' Unabated, Court Warns
1 Apr
Summary
- Delhi is deemed a 'mandi' for child trafficking, even after judicial orders.
- Over 84,000 children rescued by RPF on railway premises between 2018-2024.
- Authorities allegedly violate Standard Operating Procedures for child rescue.
A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia has issued notices to the Delhi government, Delhi Police, railways, and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). This action follows a public interest litigation highlighting the ongoing issue of child trafficking. The court expressed grave concern, remarking that Delhi has become a "mandi" for child trafficking, with the problem persisting despite previous judicial orders.
During the hearing on April 1, 2026, the bench noted that while measures have been adopted, their effective implementation is lacking. Lawyer Prabhsahay Kaur stated that the Railway Protection Force rescued over 84,000 children from railway premises between 2018 and 2024. The petition further alleges gross violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meant for the identification, rescue, and rehabilitation of victimized children.
The court has requested the NCPCR to provide necessary data and suggestions to help formulate appropriate directions. The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 10, 2026. The petitioner seeks strict adherence to SOPs to prevent rescued children from being re-trafficked.
