Supreme Court Directs Swift Action Against Child Trafficking and Orders Reinstatement of Wrongfully Terminated Workers

Apex Court emphasizes expedited trials, victim compensation, and support for trafficked children while ordering reinstatement of terminated sweepers in Varanasi.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has issued comprehensive directions aimed at combating child trafficking and ensuring justice for the victims. The bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan, emphasized the need for expeditious trials and compliance with court orders to prevent any delay in justice. The court mandated that trials in child trafficking cases be conducted on a day-to-day basis and completed within six months.

The court's order, dated December 2, 2025, came in response to a miscellaneous application in the case of Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh. The court issued a series of directives, including ensuring school admission and educational support for trafficked children under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Trial courts were also directed to award compensation to victims under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Uttar Pradesh Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Evam Bal Samman Kosh.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court ordered the immediate reinstatement of the petitioner, Pinki, and her husband, who were unjustly terminated from their jobs as sweepers with the Varanasi Municipal Corporation. The court warned of strict action against the authorities for non-compliance, underscoring the seriousness with which it views issues of child trafficking.

The judgment also directed state governments and high courts to implement recommendations from the BIRD Report to prevent child trafficking. Compliance reports are to be submitted to ensure effective implementation of these measures.

Advocate Ms. Aparna Bhat, appointed as Amicus Curiae, brought to the court's attention various compliance issues with the directions given in a previous judgment dated April 15, 2025. The court noted that while some directions have been complied with, others, such as ensuring educational support for trafficked children and awarding compensation, remain pending.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 13, 2026, to monitor the compliance of these directions and ensure that the necessary actions are taken by the concerned authorities.

Bottom Line:

Directions issued for expeditious trial and compliance of orders in cases of child trafficking, including police protection, compensation to victims, and proper education for trafficked children. Immediate reinstatement of petitioner and her husband, terminated unjustly from services, ordered.

Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, Uttar Pradesh Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Evam Bal Samman Kosh.

Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2818978