Sending a stern warning to all states, a bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu asked them not to make a "tamasha" (drama) of the issue and take effective action to tackle such incidents.
It also asked the Chief Secretary of Karnataka and Tripura to be personally present on the next date of hearing to brief it about their proposed action plan.
The bench said that it would not hesitate to summon top officers of the state if such incidents occur repeatedly in their jurisdiction.
The bench said it is disturbing that such incidents are going on and despite several orders passed by it.
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The court passed the order after senior advocate H S Phoolka, appearing for NGO Bachpan Bachao Andolan, said many states have not provided data and compliance report of apex court's earlier direction on the issue.
It had directed that FIR should be registered as soon as information regarding a missing child is received by police.
Further, a photo of the child be uploaded on the 'Child Track website', it had said, adding that there should be a Juvenile Welfare Officer in every police station in the country.