The Supreme Court on Tuesday blasted the Uttar Pradesh government over its handling of child trafficking cases and laid down extensive guidelines to be followed by states to prevent such offences. Directing strict implementation, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered lower courts to complete trials in child trafficking cases in six months.

"High Courts across the country are directed to call for status of pending trial in child trafficking cases. Then directions shall be issued to complete the trial in 6 months and also conduct a day-to-day trial," the top court said.

The Supreme Court's tough talk came while it was hearing a case where a trafficked baby was delivered to a couple in Uttar Pradesh who wanted a son.

While cancelling the bail of the accused, the Supreme Court slammed both the Allahabad High Court and the UP government over their handling of the matter.

"The accused was longing for a son and then got a son for Rs 4 lakh. If you desire a son... you cannot go for a trafficked child. He knew that the baby was stolen," the bench said.

Source: India Today