The Delhi High Court requested a report from the Delhi Police following bomb scares in several schools across the National Capital Region (NCR). Justice Prasad noted various concerns regarding the absence of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for schools and the lack of clarity on protocols for handling such situations. The Court emphasized the need for specific SOPs tailored to schools and inquired about measures taken for the evacuation of students and the authorities responsible for responding to threats.
NEW DELHI: Today (6th May): The Delhi High Court issued a directive to the Delhi Police and the Delhi government, urging them to provide a comprehensive report outlining the measures taken to ensure the safe evacuation of children from schools during bomb scare incidents.
READ ALSO: Delhi High Court Upholds Tribunal Decisions: Affirms High Courts’ Writ Jurisdiction
Justice Subramonium Prasad emphasized the need for information regarding the frequency of mock drills conducted in schools, the response time of authorities in reaching schools during such threats, and the steps taken to minimize reliance on parents during evacuations. The court also demanded an explanation of the actions taken to investigate hoax calls received by educational institutions.
The deadline for filing the status report is within ten days, with the next hearing scheduled for May 16. The court’s decision comes in response to a petition filed by advocate Arpit Bhargava, seeking a detailed action plan to address hoax bomb threats and establish a comprehensive response protocol across schools in the national capital.
READ ALSO: Delhi High Court Revises Senior Advocate Designation Rules
The Delhi High Court has taken cognizance of the safety concerns surrounding bomb threats in schools and has directed the Delhi Police and the Delhi government to submit a detailed report outlining the steps undertaken to ensure the secure evacuation of children during such situations.
The court stressed the importance of minimizing dependence on parents during evacuations, as the primary responsibility lies with the schools and the concerned authorities.
During the hearing, Justice Prasad highlighted several significant omissions in the report submitted by the Delhi Police and government.
“The absence of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specific to schools is concerning… Special SOPs are necessary for institutions like schools or hospitals. What measures have been taken to ensure the evacuation of children in schools? Which authority promptly responds to information about a potential threat in a school? How frequently are drills conducted in schools, particularly primary schools? And how is the monitoring of these drills carried out?” queried the Court.
READ ALSO: Delhi High Court Enhances Security Measures Following Bomb Threat
The court questioned the authorities about the immediate action taken upon receiving bomb threat information from schools and the designated authority responsible for managing such situations. The court also sought clarification on the frequency of drills conducted in schools and the methods employed to monitor them.
Due to the missing details in the status report, the court granted additional time to the authorities to file a comprehensive affidavit addressing all the necessary concerns.
