As per the plea, the woman’s husband has been missing since August 2018. (File)Soon, families of missing persons can register an FIR with Delhi Police through an SMS, e-mail or WhatsApp, to ensure valuable time is not lost and the investigation is carried out in an expeditious manner.
This direction was issued by the Delhi High Court while hearing a plea on a woman’s complaint alleging inaction and delay by police in lodging an FIR on a missing person report. As per the plea, the woman’s husband has been missing since August 2018.
A bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal noted that the predecessor bench had emphasised that investigation relating to missing persons above the age of 18 years had to be transferred within a fixed time frame to the Crime Branch. “DCP (Legal, PHQ) was directed to issue an appropriate circular relating to missing persons above the age of 18 years to all police stations,” it said, adding that Delhi Police is preparing a standing order on investigation of missing children/persons.
The court was, however, informed that the investigating officer was issued a written warning for delay in registering the case and an Explanation Calling Notice was issued to the then SHO, Neb Sarai for lapses on his part. The court listed the matter for July 17.
“We’ve received the order. We will move towards facilitating registration of online FIR for missing children,” said police spokesperson Madhur Verma.
