The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to formulate a detailed action plan and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to effectively address bomb threats and related emergencies in the city.
The Court set an eight-week deadline for the completion of these directives.
The bench, led by Justice Sanjeev Narula, instructed that the SOP define clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved, including law enforcement, school management, and municipal authorities.
The objective is to ensure coordinated and efficient responses in case of bomb threats or similar emergencies.
The Court emphasized the need for the action plan to be developed in consultation with various stakeholders, such as school representatives, law enforcement, municipal authorities, and other relevant state departments.
Advocate Arpit Bhargava, who filed the application, was allowed to submit further suggestions and identify any gaps in the proposed measures, ensuring that all concerns are addressed in the final plan.
In addition, the Court directed that regular training sessions be conducted for school staff, students, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the plan. A grievance redressal mechanism must also be established, and periodic reviews should be carried out to incorporate feedback and update the action plan accordingly.
The petitioner, who has a child enrolled in a Delhi school, had earlier highlighted the failure of authorities to take timely and adequate measures to ensure the safety and security of students and staff in educational institutions.
The petitioner argued that bomb threats not only pose direct risks to life and safety but also cause significant trauma and anxiety for students and their families.
One specific incident cited by the petitioner involved a bomb threat email sent on April 26, 2024, which targeted their child’s school, causing panic and disruption. Aggrieved by the incident and concerned about the potential for similar threats in the future, the petitioner approached the Court seeking directions to ensure that proper measures are put in place for the safety and security of schools in Delhi.
Court’s directive underscores the importance of a comprehensive, coordinated response to bomb threats, aiming to prevent future disruptions and protect the well-being of students, staff, and families in the city.
