The Supreme Court has made it clear that its direction requiring registration of an FIR on information about a missing person applies to every person, regardless of age or gender. The Court warned States and Union Territories that failure to follow the direction could invite contempt proceedings.
A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan passed the order on August 5, 2026, while considering the ongoing exercise concerning missing persons and the work of a committee constituted by the Court.
Court Objects To Narrow Interpretation
The Court was informed that, under its earlier order dated May 22, 2026, all States were required to register an FIR whenever information regarding a missing person was received.
However, the Bench was told that some States appeared to understand the word “person” as referring only to children.
The Court rejected that interpretation. It observed that the language of its earlier order was “clear and unambiguous” and expressly stated that the term covers every person, irrespective of age or gender.
The Bench remarked that treating the direction as limited to children was a “deliberate and mala fide bogey” raised by some States.
Contempt Notice To Non-Compliant States
The Supreme Court directed that where States or Union Territories had failed to comply with its directions, notices of contempt would be issued to the concerned Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police.
The concerned officials were directed to remain personally present and submit show-cause affidavits explaining why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
The Court also noted that Ladakh had not filed its response and directed its Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to submit personally affirmed affidavits explaining the non-compliance. States and Union Territories that had not filed their affidavits were also treated as prima facie in contempt.
Court’s Decision
The Court directed integration of relevant portals across the country to be completed within six weeks. It also continued the committee’s exercise and asked it to consider suggestions from members of the Bar.
The matter was directed to be listed on October 5, 2026
Case Details
Case Title: G. Ganesh v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors.
Case Number: SLP (Crl.) No. 11263/2025
Judge: Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan
Decision Date: 5 August 2026
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