On April 15th, the Supreme Court delivered a b verdict on child trafficking. It ordered the revocation of the license of the hospital involved in the child theft and canceled the bail of the accused.
Supreme Court: On Monday, the Supreme Court delivered a significant and stringent ruling on serious cases of child trafficking. The court stated that if a newborn child is stolen from a hospital, the state government should immediately revoke the hospital's license. The court advised taking strict measures to prevent such incidents and described the accused as a threat to society.
Case Originating in Varanasi, Expanding to a Nationwide Ring
This case involves the theft of children from hospitals in Varanasi and surrounding areas in Uttar Pradesh. In 2024, the Allahabad High Court granted bail to the accused in these cases. The children's families challenged this decision in the Supreme Court. During the hearing, the court expanded the scope of the investigation, seeking reports from the NHRC (National Human Rights Commission) and the Indian Institute of Development.
Supreme Court Cancels Bail
A bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala canceled the bail of all the accused. The court stated that this gang operated nationwide, and the stolen children were recovered from states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. The Supreme Court criticized the UP government, stating that its failure to challenge the High Court's bail order demonstrated a negligent attitude.
Strict Instructions to State Governments
The Supreme Court directed all state governments to implement the recommendations of the Indian Institute of Development. The court specifically instructed that if a child is stolen from a hospital, its license should be immediately canceled. This measure will serve as a preventive action and help curb such crimes.
Cautionary Advice to Parents
The court appealed to all parents to remain vigilant about the safety of their newborns in hospitals. Furthermore, all High Courts across the country were instructed to provide details of all pending child trafficking cases to the trial courts and order verdicts within six months.
Strict Action Against Child Buyers
The Supreme Court also canceled the bail of those who knowingly purchased the stolen children. The court stated, "If someone is childless, it doesn't mean they can purchase a stolen child. This is a crime and detrimental to society."
Court's Emotional Remarks
The Supreme Court observed, "If a parent's child dies, they believe the child has gone to God, but when a child is stolen, they are in unknown hands. This grief is beyond words."
