Supreme Court Asks Delhi Govt to Submit Detailed Report on Bail in Child Trafficking Cases

On 11 August, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to file a detailed report explaining how bail was granted and how the state opposed it in cases linked to a large-scale interstate child trafficking racket. The racket allegedly involved kidnapped children being sold to childless couples in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan was hearing a petition claiming that child trafficking operations are thriving across several states.

Senior Advocate Aparna Bhat informed the Court that in past cases, the seriousness of such crimes in Delhi had already been noted, and notices had been issued to the state government.

Justice Pardiwala warned that the Court might take suo motu action against certain bail orders if required. The bench also directed that copies of such bail orders be submitted and sought a report from the Union government on measures taken to curb rampant child trafficking in Delhi.

The Union’s report will also be shared with the Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate Aparna Bhat. The matter will be heard next on 18 August 2025, with the Court stating that it will be taken up at the top of the list.

Child trafficking—buying, selling, or transporting children for exploitation, illegal adoption, or forced labour—is a grave crime under Indian law. Key legal provisions include:

• Sections 370 & 370A IPC – Trafficking of persons, including children (up to life imprisonment
• Sections 372 & 373 IPC – Selling or buying minors for prostitution or illegal purposes
• Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 – Tackles trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation
• POCSO Act, 2012 – Special provisions for sexual offences against children
• Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 – Addresses forced or bonded child labour
• Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 – Penalises illegal adoption and trafficking

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Covers trafficking linked to child marriage