Madhya Pradesh High Court Directs Police to Produce Missing Minor and Accused in Court, Pulls Up Inaction

Indore : The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued strict directions to the police to produce a 17-year-old missing girl along with all accused persons before it on April 6, sharply criticising the handling of the case and alleging serious lapses in investigation.

The matter arose from a petition filed by the girl’s father, a daily-wage labourer, who alleged that his daughter was abducted from the Bada Gonda area under Mhow police station in Indore district and kept in illegal confinement for over a month. Acting on the plea, a division bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi took urgent cognisance of the issue and conducted a hearing even beyond regular court hours, indicating the gravity of the situation.

During the hearing, the court expressed strong dissatisfaction with the police response, noting that despite a specific allegation naming the accused, Pawan Singh, the FIR initially referred to “unknown persons.” The bench observed that omission of a named accused pointed to a deliberate dilution of the complaint and described the police approach as casual and lacking urgency.

According to the petition, the girl went missing on February 23, but no effective search effort was initiated for several weeks. The family further alleged that the police not only delayed registration of the FIR but also failed to properly record statements or conduct a meaningful inquiry. The petitioner emphasised that the girl is a minor protected under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, raising serious concerns regarding her safety and possible exploitation.

Taking a stern view, the High Court directed the state authorities to ensure that the girl is produced “in any condition” before the court along with all individuals named in the complaint. It also instructed the police to secure her safety and conduct a medical examination prior to the next hearing, warning that failure to show progress would invite strict action.

Following the court’s intervention, there has reportedly been a noticeable shift in police activity. Teams have begun visiting the victim’s locality, recording fresh statements, and coordinating efforts to trace the accused. Officials have acknowledged that the case was earlier treated as a routine missing-person report but is now being handled as a targeted investigation involving alleged abduction and illegal confinement.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over delays in tracing missing minors in Madhya Pradesh. The High Court has previously flagged similar lapses, warning that such inaction increases the risk of trafficking and exploitation, particularly among vulnerable communities.

With the next hearing scheduled for April 6, the court is expected to assess the status of the investigation, examine the condition and statement of the minor if recovered, and determine whether further legal action, including invocation of stricter charges or transfer of the probe, is required.