Delhi High Court seeks response from police, Central government over disappearance of 807 people

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought replies from the Delhi Police, the Central government, the Delhi government and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on a plea seeking action over the disappearance of over 800 people from the national capital during the first 15 days of 2026.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the authorities to file their reply in four weeks.

"Let the respondents file the response to this petition in four weeks. Two weeks for rejoinder," the Court said.

The Bench passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by one Jayeeta Deb Sarkar.

A news report recently revealed that between January 1, and January 15, 807 persons were reported missing from Delhi. The news sparked widespread public concern.

On February 6, the Delhi Police posted a tweet saying that the hype around the surge in missing persons is "paid promotion" and warned action against people who create panic for monetary gains.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of the reports and issued notice to the Delhi government and Delhi Police chief, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission said that the figures, if accurate, could raise serious human rights issues.