New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Delhi Police, the Centre, the Delhi government and the National Human Rights Commission in connection with a petition raising concern over hundreds of reported missing persons cases in the capital earlier this year.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia asked the respondents to place their stand on record within a stipulated time. “Let the respondents file the response to this petition in four weeks. Two weeks for rejoinder,” the Court said.
The direction came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Jayeeta Deb Sarkar.
Plea flags alarming figures
The PIL refers to a recent news report which stated that 807 people were reported missing in Delhi between January 1 and January 15, 2026. The reported figures triggered widespread public concern and debate over the safety situation in the national capital.
The petitioner has sought appropriate action and accountability from the authorities, arguing that such numbers, if accurate, require urgent intervention and transparency from law enforcement agencies.
Police dismiss “hype” around cases
Amid growing discussion on social media and news platforms, the Delhi Police issued a clarification earlier this month. On February 6, the police posted on X that the hype surrounding the alleged spike in missing persons cases was a “paid promotion” and cautioned that action could be taken against individuals spreading panic for financial gains.
The statement sought to downplay fears of an unusual surge, though it did not immediately provide detailed data in the public domain to counter the figures cited in the report.
NHRC takes suo motu cognisance
Separately, the National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognisance of the media reports and sent notices to the Delhi government and the Commissioner of Delhi Police. The Commission has sought a detailed report within two weeks.
In its notice, the NHRC observed that the reported data, if found to be correct, could raise serious human rights concerns. The matter will now be examined further once responses are filed before both the High Court and the Commission.
The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing after completion of pleadings.