The Delhi High Court directed the Delhi government to finalize a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address bomb threats. The order came in response to a petition highlighting concerns over bomb threats targeting schools in the city. The Court emphasized the need for effective measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. It urged the government to promptly implement the SOP to tackle such threats.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court instructed the Delhi government to create and finalize a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), for managing bomb threats and similar emergencies.
This directive came in response to a petition related to bomb threats received by schools in Delhi.
Justice Sanjeev Narula ordered the government to ensure that the SOP clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties, such as law enforcement agencies, school administrations, and municipal authorities, to enable effective coordination and execution.
Read Also: Delhi High Court Enhances Security Measures Following Bomb Threat
The Court emphasized that these stakeholders should be consulted before the SOP is finalized.
The Court stated,
“Once completed, the action plan and SOP shall be shared with all relevant parties. To ensure effective implementation, the Respondents (government authorities) must hold regular training sessions for school staff, students, and other stakeholders,”
Additionally, the Court mandated the creation of a grievance redressal mechanism to address concerns from affected parties and stakeholders.
The Court added,
“Based on feedback, the plan should be reviewed and updated to adapt to evolving challenges,”
The authorities were urged to implement these directives promptly, ideally within eight weeks.
The Court issued these directives while addressing a plea from Arpit Bhargava, who expressed concerns about the Delhi government’s inability to manage and prevent bomb threats targeting schools in the city.
Bhargava argued that the persistent threat to schoolchildren highlighted a collective failure to ensure a safe environment.
During the hearings, the Delhi government and Delhi police presented a list of measures designed to tackle these issues through draft action plans. An association of unaided schools in Delhi was also invited to provide suggestions, which the Court recognized.
The Court acknowledged that while it is unrealistic to expect a completely foolproof system to eliminate bomb threats in today’s world, the government must prepare to confront such evolving challenges.
The Court noted,
“Such operational strategies are best left to the discretion of the executive, as directing these modalities is beyond the Court’s jurisdiction,”
The Court recognized that the government has taken initial steps to address the issue, as demonstrated by the draft action plans, standing operating procedures, and status reports. However, it emphasized that these measures need to be finalized and implemented swiftly, rather than remaining in a conceptual stage.
The Court also instructed the government to consider any suggestions the petitioner may have regarding these issues.
The Court directed,
“The Petitioner, who has raised valid and significant concerns, is allowed to submit a detailed representation identifying specific suggestions or perceived gaps in the measures under consideration. These representations shall be reviewed by Respondents No. 1 and 2 while finalizing the action plan and SOP,”
With these observations and directives, the Court disposed of the plea.
Advocates Beenashaw N. Soni, Arpit Bhargava, Hina Bhargava, Sania Yusuf, Sarthak Sharma, and Pankaj represented the petitioner, while Advocates Kamal Gupta, Sparsh Aggarwal, Yosha Dutt, and Rashi Agarwal appeared for the respondents.