The Delhi High Court, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, has expressed concern over the alarming rise in missing persons cases in the national capital, recently highlighted by a public interest litigation (PIL). The court has issued notices to the central government, the Delhi government, the Delhi police, and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), requiring them to file affidavits within a week to address the issue. The next hearing is scheduled for February 18, reflecting the urgency with which the court is approaching this public safety concern.

According to the public interest petition, over 800 individuals have reportedly gone missing in the past month alone, prompting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take suo motu cognizance of the situation. The NHRC has requested detailed reports from both the Delhi government and the police commissioner within two weeks. This surge in cases has spurred significant alarm in a city already grappling with various social issues, underlining the potential for deeper systemic problems affecting safety and security.

Data from the Delhi police indicates that out of the 807 reported missing persons, only 235 have been found, leaving 572 individuals still unaccounted for. The statistics include a troubling number of minors—191 individuals—alongside 616 adults, drawing attention to the vulnerability of certain demographics in urban settings. The ongoing investigations and responses from the relevant authorities will be crucial in understanding and addressing the factors contributing to this crisis in missing persons cases, as well as in restoring public trust in safety measures within the capital.