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“Act Now or Risk Losing Control”: Supreme Court of India Warns States Over Rising Child Trafficking

Top court flags lack of urgency, calls for immediate coordinated action and stronger enforcement to dismantle trafficking networks and protect vulnerable children

News Setu
“Act Now or Risk Losing Control”: Supreme Court of India Warns States Over Rising Child Trafficking

New Delhi | April 9, 2026 In a stern observation, the Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over the growing menace of child trafficking across the country. The Court warned that trafficking networks are actively operating nationwide and cautioned that the situation could spiral out of control if immediate and concrete measures are not taken by the states.

A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan made these remarks during a hearing on Wednesday. The judges emphasized that the responsibility of taking effective ground-level action lies primarily with state governments, law enforcement agencies, and local authorities.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the current response, the bench noted a lack of adequate political and administrative will in several regions. The Court highlighted that despite the seriousness of the issue, the expected level of urgency and commitment is missing in tackling such crimes.

The judges urged all states to treat child trafficking as a critical issue and accelerate their efforts to dismantle trafficking networks. They stressed the need for coordinated action, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and heightened vigilance to protect vulnerable children.

The Court’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for authorities across India to prioritize child safety and ensure that stringent steps are taken without delay to curb this alarming trend.

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