New Delhi, Aug 11: The Supreme Court has clarified that its direction for immediate registration of FIRs in missing-person cases applies to all individuals, irrespective of age or gender. The officials will be required to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for non-compliance with the court’s directions. The Supreme Court had earlier directed police authorities to register FIRs immediately in all missing-person cases without conducting a preliminary inquiry. The court had also issued a series of measures aimed at tracing and protecting missing children, including ensuring their speedy reunion with their families wherever appropriate. The clarification is intended to remove any ambiguity over the scope of the earlier directions and ensure that complaints involving missing persons receive an immediate police response regardless of the person’s age or gender.