Can AI Software Be Used To Trace Missing Persons? High Court Asks Delhi Police

The Delhi High Court has recently asked the Delhi Police to state if there is any artificial intelligence (AI) software which can be used for checking the whereabouts of persons who may have gone missing due to various reasons, including unstable medical conditions.

A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Dharmesh Sharma directed the Delhi Police to file a short affidavit in this regard.

The bench was dealing with a habeas corpus plea filed by a son seeking production of his old father who is missing since February 17, 2023.

A status report dated February 17 was handed over to the Court by the Delhi Police stating that there has been no trace of the missing man despite the fact that requisite procedures were followed and the photographs were also uploaded on zipnet.

“Let a short affidavit be placed on record by the State, stating as to whether there is any Artificial Intelligence software which can be or has been used by the Delhi Police for confirming and checking the whereabouts of such missing persons, who may have gone missing due to various reasons including unstable medical conditions,” the Court ordered.

On this, Delhi Police's standing counsel submitted that the Crime Branch usually has such a software.

Therefore, the Bench directed that in such a case, an attempt be made to trace the whereabouts of the missing man and a further status report be filed through Delhi Police's Crime Branch.

The matter will now be heard on March 18.

Title: DIL KHUSH BAIRWA v. GOVT OF NCT OF DELHI AND ORS

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