The Karnataka High Court at Dharwad has voiced sharp concern over the disappearance of a young woman from Hubli, who has remained untraced for nearly nine months despite repeated police efforts. A Division Bench comprising Justice S.G. Pandit and Justice C.M. Poonacha was hearing a habeas corpus plea seeking production of the missing woman.
Background
The case dates back to December 2023, when the woman, employed as an accountant, last visited her parents before returning to Hubli. A few days later, her phones went off, and she never contacted her family again. A missing complaint was filed, but as the investigation yielded no progress, her family approached the High Court in May 2024.
Since then, the police have been submitting affidavits and status reports, with senior officers appearing in court. However, despite months of follow-up, she continues to remain missing.
Court's Observations
The judges observed that the sequence of reports showed consistent action but no tangible outcome. Expressing its dissatisfaction, the Bench remarked:
"The sum and substance is that the daughter, whose presence is sought to be secured, still remains untraced. The present situation is extremely worrying, requiring this Court to examine what further action could be undertaken."
The court went on to examine various state and central guidelines on missing persons, including circulars of the Karnataka police and advisories issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Special emphasis was placed on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bachpan Bachao Andolan, which mandates that missing children’s complaints must be treated as cases of abduction or trafficking until proven otherwise.
Decision
In a significant move, the High Court directed that a special supervisory committee be constituted whenever habeas corpus petitions are filed in cases involving missing women, minors, or other vulnerable persons.
The committee, to consist of the Inspector General of Police of the concerned range, the Superintendent of Police of the district, and the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the jurisdictional station, will:
- Review police investigations every three months.
- Ensure strict compliance with Supreme Court and High Court directions.
- Mandate use of portals such as "Khoya Paya" and "Track the Missing Child" for tracing.
- Recommend involvement of agencies like CBI, CID, or Anti-Human Trafficking Units if progress stalls.
Reports must be submitted twice a year to the Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court. If the Registrar finds them unsatisfactory, the case may be restored for further court monitoring.
With these directions, the writ petition was disposed of.
Case Title: Ramakrishna Bhat Vs The Director General Of Police And Others.
Case No: WPHC NO.100012/2024