High Court Directs Continued Efforts in Tracing Missing Minor, Stresses on Monthly Status Reports - Delhi HC

In a significant judgment concerning a habeas corpus petition, the Delhi High Court, on January 25, 2024, ordered the continuation of diligent efforts to trace a missing 15-year-old girl. The case, titled Sangita Morya Versus State (W.P.(CRL) 961/2022), was presided over by the Hon'ble Mr. Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Manoj Jain.

The petitioner, Sangita Morya, approached the court seeking help in finding her minor daughter, Ms. ‘S’, who went missing under mysterious circumstances on January 18, 2022. The petitioner expressed suspicion over her neighbor, Vishal, aged 30, who has since been declared a proclaimed offender under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In the court's observation, it was noted, "In light of the aforesaid discussion, since all possible efforts to trace the missing girl have been made, we hereby dispose of the present writ petition." This emphasizes the court's acknowledgment of the efforts made by the police in this troubling situation.

Further elaborating on the steps to be taken, the court directed, "The concerned police officials to file a monthly status report before the concerned Metropolitan Magistrate." The directive aims to ensure continued and focused efforts in the investigation. The court also ordered that "if any clue is found about the minor daughter of the petitioner, the same shall be communicated to her and if she is rescued, she be produced before the concerned Metropolitan Magistrate."

This judgment highlights the High Court's commitment to the safety and well-being of minors and underscores the importance of persistent efforts in missing person cases. The case, however, remains a matter of deep concern, with the whereabouts of the young girl still unknown.

The petitioner was not represented by any advocate, while the State was represented by Mr. Sanjay Lao, Standing Counsel (Crl.), along with Ms. Priyam Agarwal, Mr. Abhinav Kr. Arya, and Mr. Shivesh Kaushik.

Date of Decision: 25th January 2024

SANGITA MORYA VS STATE