New Delhi, 18 February (H.S.): The Delhi High Court issued notices on Wednesday to the Centre, Delhi government, Delhi Police, and National Human Rights Commission in response to a petition demanding action over more than 800 people reported missing in the national capital within the first 15 days of the year.A bench presided over by Chief Justice DK Upadhyay directed the respondents to file replies within four weeks.

The petitioner's counsel argued during the hearing that the Right to be Found forms an essential component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The plea asserts that mandatory protocols for tracing missing persons are not being followed, despite the issuance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which remain unenforced, resulting in large-scale disappearances without adequate response.

According to a news report, 807 individuals vanished from Delhi between January 1 and January 15, triggering widespread public outrage. On February 6, Delhi Police posted on X dismissing reports of a surge in missing persons cases as paid misinformation designed to incite fear, while warning of action against those spreading panic.

The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognizance of the issue, issuing notices to the Delhi government and police demanding detailed responses within two weeks, deeming the matter gravely serious if verified.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar