No exceptions. No delays. Not even for adults. Some states were trying to limit this to children only; but the Court called that a "deliberate and mala fide bogey" and warned of contempt. Why does this matter? Because the first few hours after someone goes missing are the "golden hours"; when chances of safe recovery are highest. Police can’t wait for family to search first. They must act instantly. And if states ignore this? Their top officials; Chief Secretaries and DGPs; must personally appear in court. This isn’t just policy. It’s accountability with teeth. If you’re preparing for any police or civil service exam, this is a must-know update; it’s going to change how investigations begin, and how quickly justice moves.