The Delhi High Court has raised serious concerns about child trafficking in the city, calling it a ‘mandi’ for such activities. This alarming situation demands immediate attention.
Is Delhi truly a hub for child trafficking? Recent remarks from the Delhi High Court suggest that it might be. The court issued a notice on a public interest litigation concerning the alarming rise in child trafficking incidents, particularly from railway stations and trains.
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Delhi has now become a mandi for child trafficking. Just roam around the railway stations for two hours, and you can gather what is going on there.” His comments reflect a growing concern that despite various orders from the court, the menace of child trafficking remains unabated.
The petition, filed by the Just Rights for Children Alliance and represented by Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, highlights the urgent need for action. The court has requested the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to provide necessary data and suggestions to address the issue effectively.
In response to the surge in child trafficking incidents, the Union Railways Ministry has notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at curbing these activities. However, the effectiveness of such measures is still in question.
Recent developments have further complicated the situation. The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested a wanted terrorist in the Ghazipur area, who was reportedly the handler of a recently busted module. During the arrest, foreign currencies from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, as well as a Nepalese SIM card, were recovered from the accused.
These incidents underscore the interconnectedness of various criminal activities in the region, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations, particularly children. The court’s ongoing scrutiny of child trafficking in Delhi reflects a broader societal issue that requires immediate and sustained attention.
While the Delhi High Court continues to express concerns and issue directives regarding child trafficking, the situation does not appear to improve due to a lack of effective implementation of existing measures. As Chief Justice Upadhyaya noted, “It is common knowledge that such trafficking of children of tender age is rampant.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the problem and the effectiveness of the measures being implemented. As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and rights of children in Delhi.
