A public interest litigation has been filed before the Supreme Court of India seeking urgent reforms related to the rescue, identification and rehabilitation of missing and trafficked children.
The petition calls for stronger national systems, including DNA verification before adoption, integrated child protection databases and coordinated anti-trafficking mechanisms.
The matter came up before a bench comprising Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
The bench reportedly appreciated the sensitivity of the issue but asked petitioner Reepak Kansal to present a workable framework with solutions rather than only highlighting problems.
Among the key prayers in the PIL is a National DNA and Biometric Identification System for missing and rescued children, with legal safeguards.
The petitioner has also sought mandatory DNA sampling, subject to consent and privacy protections, of unidentified rescued children and willing biological parents for reunification purposes.
The plea asks for compulsory DNA verification of children proposed for adoption against national records before any adoption is finalised.
The stated aim is to prevent illegal adoption, trafficking and identity fraud.
The petition also seeks integration of multiple databases including police records, shelter homes, Child Welfare Committees and Anti-Human Trafficking Units into a real-time national platform.
It further requests creation of national and state-level child protection task forces for better interstate coordination.
Other demands include a standard operating procedure for tracing children, rehabilitation, compensation and long-term monitoring after rescue.
The petitioner has also asked for periodic compliance reports before the apex court.
The case highlights growing concern over child trafficking, missing children and gaps in identification systems across India.