Delhi HC remarks city has become ‘mandi’ for child trafficking, seeks police’s response on PIL

Delhi HC highlights child trafficking crisis, calling the city a 'mandi' and demands police and railways’ response to petition.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (April 2, 2026) said the capital has become a “mandi” for child trafficking, as it asked the railways and the police to respond to a petition raising concern over such incidents blatantly happening at railway stations and surrounding areas.

A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notice to the railways, Delhi government, Delhi Police and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on the public interest litigation by Just Rights for Children Alliance.

The court observed that the menace of child trafficking remained “unabated” even after judicial orders and asked the NCPCR to provide the requisite data to enable it to pass appropriate directions in the matter. It posted the case for hearing on July 10.

“Delhi has become a mandi now for child trafficking, and for ascertaining this fact, you need not go through the petition,” the bench remarked during the hearing.

It noted that although measures were adopted by the authorities, including the railways, to curb trafficking, the situation remained unchanged due to a lack of effective implementation.

“It is common knowledge that trafficking of children of tender age is rampant. This court has time and again expressed concerns and issued directions. However, the menace is unabated,” the court said in the order.