The Supreme Court, in G. Ganesh v. State of Tamil Nadu & Ors., reiterated that police must immediately register an FIR whenever information is received that any person is missing, irrespective of age or gender. The Court rejected the interpretation adopted by some States that its earlier directions applied only to missing children. It emphasized that the expression “person” includes children, adults, men, women and persons of every gender. The Court stressed the importance of the initial “golden hours” following a disappearance, during which CCTV footage, mobile-location information and other evidence may be traced effectively. Police cannot insist that families first search for the missing person or wait before registering an FIR. Where circumstances suggest kidnapping, abduction or trafficking, appropriate offences must be considered and specialised anti-human trafficking units should be activated. The Court also warned States and Union Territories that continued non-compliance with its directions could result in contempt proceedings against responsible senior officials.