On a Thursday that witnessed serious legal developments, the Delhi High Court raised its concerns over the increasing issue of bomb threats in schools. The case brought before the court highlighted a critical failure by the Delhi government and Delhi Police in formulating a concrete plan to tackle such alarming situations. This plea, which was heard by Justice Anish Dayal, underscores a pressing concern that affects not only the safety of students and school staff but also the emotional well-being of families across the capital.
A Growing Threat to Schools and Children’s Safety
In recent years, bomb threats, often hoaxes, have been a recurring issue in schools across Delhi. These threats, though fake, send shockwaves through educational institutions, leaving children, parents, and teachers in a state of fear. The psychological impact of such threats cannot be understated. The very idea that schools, which should be sanctuaries for learning and growth, could become sites of danger due to these threats is deeply concerning. It’s a feeling of insecurity that no one, especially children, should have to face in an environment meant to foster education and joy.
The Delhi High Court, in response to a petition filed by advocate Arpit Bhargava, issued notices to the Delhi government’s Chief Secretary and the Delhi Police. The petitioners alleged that the authorities had failed to follow the court’s previous order, which directed them to create a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle bomb threats within eight weeks. This order, issued on November 14, 2024, aimed to establish a foolproof plan to protect children and educational institutions in case of emergencies.
A Court’s Serious Concern
Justice Anish Dayal, who is hearing the case, termed the situation a “serious issue” that needed immediate attention. He noted that repeated hoax bomb threats had become increasingly common, with schools being forced to deal with the emotional and psychological toll these incidents cause. Justice Dayal’s statement underlined the importance of swift and decisive action from the authorities to ensure that students and educational institutions are not exposed to such distressing situations.
The plea brought before the Delhi High Court also claimed that the Delhi government and Delhi Police were in contempt of the court’s earlier order. The petitioners argued that the government had not formulated or implemented any detailed action plan or SOP by the stipulated deadline of January 14, 2025. This failure, the petitioners stated, was not just a legal oversight; it had left schools vulnerable to ongoing threats that continue to plague the capital.
The Need for Urgent Action and Responsibility
Advocate Beenashaw N. Soni, representing the petitioner, emphasised the responsibility of the authorities to ensure the safety of schoolchildren. She highlighted the failure of the Delhi government and Delhi Police to act in the public interest, pointing out that their negligence has directly endangered the mental health and safety of lakhs of children across Delhi. The Delhi High Court original direction was clear: to establish a comprehensive action plan with an SOP that would involve all relevant stakeholders, law enforcement, school management, and municipal authorities. The goal was to create a coordinated and effective response to bomb threats, ensuring that no school would have to face the chaos and panic created by such incidents without a clear and systematic procedure in place.
The Global Nature of the Problem
The court also acknowledged the global nature of the problem. Bomb threats, especially those carried out using sophisticated technology like the dark web and VPNS, are not unique to Delhi or India. This issue continues to challenge law enforcement agencies worldwide. However, the court pointed out that despite the international context, the Delhi authorities have a responsibility to take local action to address the specific concerns of their citizens.
In an attempt to address the rising issue, Delhi Police had already established bomb disposal squads and bomb detection teams to assist over 4,600 schools across the city. However, the petitioners argue that these efforts were not sufficient, as a standardised and well-coordinated response to emergencies was still lacking.
A Courtroom Battle for Children’s Safety
As the matter unfolds, the Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 19, 2025. During this hearing, government and police officials will be required to present updates on the status of the SOP and the steps taken to ensure schools’ security. The petitioners have requested that the court take coercive steps, including imposing punitive costs on the authorities for their failure to comply with the court’s directions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the latest legal developments and is intended for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer and should not be taken as legal advice. Please consult a legal professional for further clarification.
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