Jharkhand High Court Mandates SOP for Aadhaar-Based Tracing of Missing Persons
In a significant ruling aimed at enhancing law enforcement efficiency, the Jharkhand High Court has issued a directive to both the Union and state governments to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for tracing the Aadhaar card details of missing persons. This decision comes as a response to prolonged delays in investigations, particularly in cases involving minors and human trafficking.
Court's Directive and Background of the Case
A bench comprising Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai delivered this order while hearing a petition filed by Chandramuni Urain, whose minor daughter has been missing from Gumla since 2019. The court was informed that the police had submitted an application to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to trace the Aadhaar details of the victim. However, the process of obtaining permission from the UIDAI was noted to be excessively time-consuming, significantly hampering the progress of the investigation.
Need for Expedited Procedures
The bench observed that the lengthy procedures involved in accessing Aadhaar information have been a major obstacle in timely investigations. "The long process hampered the investigation of cases," the court stated, emphasizing that a streamlined mechanism is urgently required. The proposed SOP is intended to speed up the tracing of Aadhaar cards when requested by law enforcement agencies, thereby facilitating quicker resolution of missing persons cases.
Addressing Human Trafficking Concerns
Highlighting the critical nature of such delays, the court pointed out that not all instances of human trafficking, especially those involving children, are reported to the police. The bench stressed that an SOP would enable immediate intervention by lawkeepers to trace the whereabouts of victims, potentially saving lives and preventing further exploitation. This move is seen as a proactive step to bolster efforts against human trafficking and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Implications and Next Steps
The directive mandates the governments to develop a comprehensive SOP that outlines clear and efficient protocols for accessing Aadhaar details in missing persons cases. This initiative is expected to:
- Reduce bureaucratic delays in investigations.
- Enhance coordination between police and UIDAI.
- Improve outcomes in trafficking and abduction cases.
As authorities work on formulating the SOP, this ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to leveraging technology for public welfare and strengthening the legal framework to protect citizens, particularly minors and victims of trafficking.
