Allahabad: The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has expressed serious concern over the rising number of missing persons in Uttar Pradesh, terming the situation alarming and grave. During the hearing of a petition, the court was informed that in the last nearly two years, missing reports of about 1,08,300 people have been registered across the state, while only around 9,700 persons have been traced so far.
Taking note of the seriousness of the issue, the Bench ordered that the matter be registered as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) under the title “Regarding Missing Persons in the State”. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for Thursday. The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Justice Abdul Moin and Justice Babita Rani while hearing a petition filed by Vikrama Prasad.
Case Background
The petitioner, a resident of the Chinhat area in Lucknow, informed the court that his son had gone missing in July 2024. A missing person report was lodged at the Chinhat police station, but no effective or satisfactory action was taken by the police.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the court not only directed appropriate action in the petitioner’s case but also sought comprehensive data related to missing persons across the state from the Additional Chief Secretary (Home).
Court Slams Official Apathy
In compliance with the court’s directions, an affidavit filed by the Additional Chief Secretary revealed that between January 1, 2024 and January 18, 2026, a total of 1,08,300 missing cases were registered with the police. However, only 9,700 individuals have been traced so far. Commenting on these figures, the court observed that the data clearly reflects negligence and lack of seriousness on the part of the authorities in handling missing persons cases.
The court’s strong observations have once again brought the issue of missing persons in Uttar Pradesh into sharp focus, highlighting the urgent need for effective monitoring, investigation and accountability.
