SC seeks Centre's reply over DNA, biometric system to trace missing children

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the NCPCR on a plea for a national DNA and biometric system for missing and rescued children. The petition argues such a framework could improve tracing, identity verification and family reunification while requiring privacy safeguards.The plea sought directions to the Centre and all states and Union Territories to create a centralised system, backed by statutory safeguards, for DNA and biometric identification of missing and rescued children. (File photo)The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on a plea that has sought a national DNA and biometric identification system for missing and rescued children. The petition said such a system would help in scientific identification, tracing and reunification of children with their families.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued notices to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the NCPCR after taking note of the plea filed by Reepak Kansal. The petition was filed through advocate-on-record Pravir Choudhary.The plea sought directions to the Centre and all states and Union Territories to create a centralised system, backed by statutory safeguards, for DNA and biometric identification of missing and rescued children.It said, "Issue an appropriate writ, order or direction directing the Union of India and all States/Union Territories to establish a national DNA, and biometric identification system for missing and rescued children, with proper statutory safeguards, to enable scientific matching and restoration of identity." It also sought a direction for mandatory DNA sampling, subject to due safeguards and consent protocols, of all unidentified rescued children and willing biological parents and guardians of missing children for reunification and identity confirmation.The petition further sought the integration and interoperability of all existing child protection databases, including police records, shelter homes, Child Welfare Committees and Anti-Human Trafficking Units, under a centralised and real-time national framework. It said, "Direct integration and interoperability of all existing child protection databases, including police records, shelter homes, Child Welfare Committees, and Anti-Human Trafficking Units, under a centralised and real-time national framework."The plea sought the constitution of national and state-level child protection and anti-trafficking task forces to ensure mandatory interstate coordination, time-bound investigation, rescue and rehabilitation of missing and trafficked children.The plea also asked for standard operating procedures on tracing, DNA testing, reunification, rehabilitation, compensation and long-term monitoring of rescued children.It said, "Direct the respondents to frame and notify the Standard Operating Procedure for tracing, DNA testing, reunification, rehabilitation, compensation and long-term monitoring of rescued children."In addition, the petition sought mandatory DNA verification of a child proposed for adoption against national records before the adoption process is completed, subject to a regulated and privacy-compliant framework. According to the petition, this would help establish the authenticity of a child's identity and prevent illegal adoption, trafficking and misrepresentation.It also sought periodic compliance affidavits before the Supreme Court on the number of missing children, DNA samples collected, matches established, reunifications completed, prosecutions launched and rehabilitation measures undertaken.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 19, 2026 14:53 IST