Division bench gives Punjab government 10 days to respond; next hearing fixed for July 23

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken serious note of media reports about 9 minor girls going missing in Ludhiana within just 48 hours. The court took suo motu (self-initiated) cognizance of the matter and issued directions to the Punjab government.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor directed the Punjab government to file an affidavit through the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ludhiana, seeking a full explanation of the situation and details of the steps taken by the administration.

Expressing deep concern over the allegations made in news reports, the court gave the state government 10 days to file its response. The next hearing in the case will be held on July 23.

Meanwhile, after the matter drew widespread attention, the local police clarified the situation. According to the police, 11 FIRs were registered across various police stations in Ludhiana regarding 13 girls going missing during late May and early June.

The police have completely ruled out any possibility of kidnapping, abduction, or involvement of any organized criminal gang in this matter. Citing preliminary investigation, the police stated that these girls left their homes "voluntarily, for personal or family reasons."