National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): While considering a critical matter concerning the issue of 3000 missing girls in the State of Andhra Pradesh, the NHRC pointed out that several reminders were sent to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to submit the requisite report on the matter. Hence, taking note of the non-receipt of the report despite several reminders, the NHRC issued conditional summons to the Chief Secretary to personally appear before the Commission on 20-01-2025 along with the required information/ documents. The NHRC however clarified that if the required information/ documents are received on or before 14-01-2025, then the personal appearance of the Concerned Authorities shall stand dispensed with.
The complainant who is an advocate and a social activist, brought forth a report published in “The Hans India” dated 24-01-2024 wherein it was reported that over 3000 girls went missing in Andhra Pradesh. It was stated in the report that more than 8 girls went missing every day, and one out of them remained untraced as per data indications in 2022. The news report also mentioned that 474 missing and untraced girls were reported from previous years, contributing to a total of 3,592 reported missing girls in the state. Of them, 3,221 girls were recovered or traced. However, 371 girls remained unrecovered or untraced.
Subsequently, the NHRC issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and DGP, Andhra Pradesh calling upon them to submit requisite response in the matter within twelve weeks. In response, the Additional DGP, Andhra Pradesh vide letter dated 18-06-2024 submitted the comprehensive status report on missing children for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
However, no response was received from the Chief Secretary and a final reminder was sent via order dated 8-10-2024. Upon receiving no response after the final reminder, the NHRC deemed it fit to issue conditional summons to the Chief Secretary to appear in personal capacity.
[In re, 3000 missing girls in State of Andhra Pradesh, 236/1/0/2024, decided on 3-12-2024]
Advocate who appeared in this case :
Petitioner-in-person: Advocate Y. Balachander Reddy
