On June 12, 2025, 14-year-old Ms. B went missing from her home. Concerned by the lack of progress in locating their daughter, her parents approached the Delhi High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, seeking immediate judicial intervention through a habeas corpus petition.
They urged the Court to direct law enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to trace Ms. B and ensure her safe return.
Court’s Immediate Directives
A Vacation Bench of the Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Manmeet Pritam Arora, took up the petition on Monday. Recognizing the urgency, the Court:
Issued notice to all respondent authorities involved in the case, including the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Ordered each authority to file and serve a Status Report within two days, detailing the steps taken thus far in the search operation.
Directed the Investigating Officer (IO) handling the matter to be present at the next hearing, ensuring the Court can question them directly on ongoing efforts.
Investigations Underway
During the hearing, the petitioners informed the Court that three individuals have been detained in connection with Ms. B’s disappearance. While initial inquiries hint that Ms. B may have left her residence of her own accord, police emphasized that the investigation remains open, pending further evidence and witness statements.
Authorities from Gautam Buddha Nagar and Noida have been coordinating closely. Notably, two other teenage girls who went missing alongside Ms. B on the same date have already been found in the Gautam Buddha Nagar/Noida area and returned safely to their families. Their discovery offers potential leads, which the IO is actively pursuing.
The SSP, Gautam Buddha Nagar, has been formally notified to compile a comprehensive Status Report, highlighting all inquiry actions, timelines, and any intelligence gathered.
The IO from Harsh Vihar Police Station is tasked with ensuring that today’s Court order reaches the SSP immediately, so that compliance with the reporting timeline is prompt and without delay.
The Noida-based IO spearheading on-ground investigations has been instructed to appear before the Court at the next hearing, providing firsthand updates on any breakthroughs or obstacles.
Next Hearing
The matter is scheduled to return before the Vacation Bench on June 27, 2025. By that date, the Court expects to have:
Detailed Status Reports from both the SSP, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and the involved IOs.
Clarification on the current whereabouts of Ms. B or concrete leads arising from the apprehended suspects.
A proposed roadmap from police authorities for any additional search measures, such as expanding the geographical scope, deploying specialized units, or engaging with child-welfare organizations.
With the stringent deadlines imposed and active judicial oversight, the Delhi High Court aims to intensify the investigation, leaving no stone unturned in the effort to locate Ms. B swiftly and safely. The parents, represented before Justice Arora’s bench, remain hopeful that the Court’s directives will galvanize authorities into decisive action and secure their daughter’s return at the earliest.
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