In Pinki v. State of Uttar Pradesh, the SC directed all High Courts to ensure that child trafficking trials are completed within 6 months and to report progress.
- The Court also highlighted the low conviction rate in such cases, caused by: Easy bail for traffickers, Hostile witnesses, Delays in trial, etc.
Other Key Direction by SC to Address the Issue
- Reporting:
- Treat missing children’s cases as abduction or trafficking unless proven otherwise.
- Ensure mandatory reporting of all human trafficking cases by police or Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs).
- Strengthen Child Protection Systems
- Create a state-level Anti-Human Trafficking Bureau in each state capital.
- Set up and improve Child Welfare Committees in every district.
- Ensure regular inspections of hazardous industries and take strict action against violators.
- Establish child-friendly courts to support child victims, as seen in Telangana and West Bengal.
- Other measures
- Improve Victim Support
- Promote community policing
- Improve coordination with NGOs for rescue, rehabilitation, and awareness efforts.
Measures Taken to Prohibit Child Trafficking
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