The order came from the social justice bench of justices Madan B Lokur and U U Lalit when the counsel for the Ministry of Women and Child Development informed that four states, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have not responded to its communication on the issue.
"No appearance on behalf of the four states. Additional Solicitor General said that they are not co-operating at all.. Presence of the Chief Secretaries is necessary on next date of hearing, January 8," the court said, adding that "if they do not turn up then contempt has to be issued".
It had also observed that they may be indulging in child trafficking.
It had asked Additional Solicitor General P S Patwalia, appearing for the Centre, to ensure that shutters are pulled down on the children homes being run by the unregistered NGOs.
ASG, however, today told the court that majority of the state governments and union territories have not replied to their request on the issues.
"Ask them? What are the parliamentarians doing. That means they are not hearing you... Either states are independent like in United States or you are not hauling them up. Who should be held responsible. You should haul them up," the bench said.
The counsel for Uttar Pradesh government told the bench that they will comply with the court's direction before the next date of hearing.
Terming child trafficking as a "very serious offence under the law and against humanity", the apex court had said, closure of unregistered NGOs "is better than being trafficked," even though the children there will have to be moved out.