JUDGMENT :

1. Vide Report dated 04-11-2017, taken up on 08-11-2017, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, CID, submitted details of missing children, as well as missing children who were traced out and restored to their parents. 19 (nineteen) children were found to be missing for the last several years.

2. This Court on 08-11-2017 directed the State to detail steps taken for recovery of the children, the Member Secretary, Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SSLSA) was also directed to monitor the progress and efforts being made by the Crime Branch.

3. The SSLSA filed its response on 21-11-2017 and was taken on record by this Court on 24-11-2017. The Report apart from listing the names of 18 (eighteen) missing children suggested that matters pertaining to missing children should be transferred to Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Crime Branch within twenty-four hours of the registration of the case. On 24-11-2017, the State Government was directed to file response to the suggestions put forth by the SSLSA while the Social Justice Empowerment and Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim (for short “Social Welfare”) was to furnish details of funds provided to the