New Delhi Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma


The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Delhi Police on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning cases of missing persons in the capital. However, the court came down heavily on the petitioner NGO for filing what it termed repetitive and unwarranted petitions on similar issues.


During the hearing, the bench observed that a Public Interest Litigation is not a “publicity platform” and must be invoked with seriousness and responsibility. The court questioned the intent and relevance of the petition, remarking that repeatedly raising similar issues in different forms amounts to a misuse of judicial process.


Notice to Delhi Police on Missing Persons
While expressing displeasure over the nature of the petition, the High Court directed the Delhi Police to file a detailed status report on:

The current situation regarding missing persons in the city
The measures taken to trace such individuals
The existing mechanism for investigation and tracking
The court sought clarity on how authorities are addressing the issue and whether existing systems are adequate.


Court Warns Against Wasting Judicial Time
Making strong observations, the bench stressed that petitions filed in the name of public interest must be backed by thorough factual verification. If a matter is already pending or has been adjudicated, bringing similar pleas before the court again is inappropriate.


The court indicated that costs (monetary penalties) may be imposed in the future if such repetitive filings continue.


Emphasis on Preserving Judicial Dignity
The High Court underscored that judicial time is precious and should be reserved for genuine and serious matters of public concern. It reiterated that the purpose of a PIL is to amplify the voices of the marginalized and address substantial public grievances—not to generate publicity or create unnecessary litigation.


The matter will be taken up on the next date of hearing, when the Delhi Police is expected to submit its response.