The expression "person" means every person, irrespective of age or gender. The apex court directed that all the states/Union Territories, which have not filed their affidavits despite its earlier directions are, prima facie, in contempt. "Accordingly, notice of contempt shall be issued to the Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of the concerned States/Union Territories. Issuing a slew of directions, it expressed displeasure over the rise in the number of cases of missing children and said they are often victims of organised inter-state trafficking syndicates. The court said whenever a child goes missing, authorities should proceed on the presumption of kidnapping or abduction from the outset.