Court Directs State to Provide Comprehensive Data and Formulate SOP for Effective Tracing of Missing Persons
In a landmark move, the Allahabad High Court has initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address the alarming issue of missing persons in Uttar Pradesh. The PIL, numbered 97 of 2026, was registered following an order from a Co-ordinate Bench dated January 29, 2026, in Criminal Misc. Writ Petition No.11291 of 2025. The court has expressed serious concerns over the substantial number of missing persons and the inadequate response from state authorities in tracing them.
Between January 1, 2024, and January 18, 2026, a staggering 1,08,300 individuals were reported missing across the state. However, efforts to trace these individuals have resulted in locating only 9,700 persons, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current mechanisms in place. The court has directed the State Government, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Home, and the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to file affidavits providing complete data on the missing persons reported at various police stations.
Furthermore, the High Court emphasized the necessity for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide police personnel in conducting prompt and effective inquiries into missing persons cases. The absence of a structured and functional mechanism has been highlighted as a major concern, necessitating immediate action from the state authorities.
The court's decision underscores the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address the missing persons crisis. It has also mandated the involvement of senior state officials in these proceedings, requiring them to join the next hearing via video conferencing to assist the court in resolving this pressing issue.
The matter is scheduled to come up for further hearing on March 23, 2026, where the state authorities are expected to present their findings and proposed strategies to tackle the situation.
Bottom Line:
Public Interest Litigation addressing the issue of missing persons in the State of Uttar Pradesh, with directions for the State Government to provide complete data, formulate an SOP for tracing missing persons, and ensure effective mechanisms for addressing such cases.
Statutory provision(s): Public Interest Litigation, Suo Motu Action, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
