SC Cracks the Whip: Hospitals Face Licence Cancellation in Newborn Trafficking Cases

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has issued a strong rebuke to the Uttar Pradesh government and the Allahabad High Court over their handling of a child trafficking case, where a newborn was sold for ₹4 lakh to a couple desiring a son. Cancelling the anticipatory bail granted to the accused, the top court said the High Court acted "callously," allowing the accused to abscond, and criticised the state for not appealing the decision.

The bench, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, laid down strict nationwide guidelines to tackle child trafficking. It directed lower courts to complete such trials within six months and instructed High Courts to monitor pending cases and ensure daily hearings. The court also pointed out that nearly 36,000 children have gone missing since 2020, signalling deep flaws in enforcement and prevention mechanisms.

In a key directive, the court ordered that hospitals must lose their licences if any newborn is trafficked from their premises. “The first step must be suspension of licence,” the bench stated, warning that any negligence will be treated as contempt of court. The ruling aims to tighten institutional accountability and curb the rampant trafficking of infants across the country.