The Supreme Court today laid down stringent guidelines for the prevention and expedited trial of child trafficking related offences across the country. The Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed High Courts across the country to issue directions to lower courts to complete trials in child trafficking cases in six months. The top court also mandated that such cases be heard on a day-to-day basis to prevent delays in justice. The Court issued the directions while hearing anticipatory bail pleas filed by the accused in a child trafficking case from Uttar Pradesh. The court criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of child trafficking cases and the Allahabad High Court for issuing bail to child trafficking accused.
The Apex court said that any laxity showing to implement the directions would be taken seriously and be treated as contempt of court. In a significant direction, the Court said that if a newborn is stolen from the hospital, the first step to be taken is to cancel the license of the concerned hospital. The case involved a stolen baby being delivered to a couple who were desirous of having a son.
