Mandatory FIR Registration for Missing Persons: Supreme Court Reaffirms Universal Applicability

The Supreme Court of India has recently intervened to address a critical gap in law enforcement practices regarding the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) for missing persons. The Court observed that several state administrations have been erroneously restricting the mandatory registration of FIRs to cases involving children, thereby neglecting the procedural rights of adults who go missing. By clarifying that the directive is universal, the judiciary has reinforced the principle of 'equal protection of laws' under Article 14 of the Constitution. This judicial intervention is significant from the perspective of administrative accountability and public safety. The Court’s warning regarding potential contempt proceedings against non-compliant states underscores the gravity of the issue. In many instances, the delay in registering an FIR—often disguised as a 'missing person report' or 'station diary entry'—hampers the initial, most crucial hours of investigation. This practice not only delays the search for the individual but also creates a systemic barrier for families seeking justice, particularly in cases involving potential human trafficking, abduction, or foul play.