The Delhi High Court has instructed the Delhi Government to create a "comprehensive action plan" that includes a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing bomb threats and other related emergencies in the national capital.

Justice Sanjeev Narula instructed that the SOP should explicitly define the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties, including law enforcement agencies, school management, and municipal authorities, to ensure "smooth coordination and effective implementation."

The Court dismissed a petition seeking a detailed action plan to address bomb threats in schools, aiming to ensure the safety and security of children, teachers, and staff in the national capital. The petition, filed by Advocate Arpit Bhargava, argued that there is currently no action plan in place to handle such incidents, which could cause significant distress to families and have a wide-reaching impact.

In a detailed order passed on November 14, Justice Narula directed the Delhi Government to finalize the action plan, including the SOP, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. This includes representatives from schools, law enforcement agencies, municipal authorities, and other state departments.

“Once finalized, the action plan and SOP shall be disseminated among all concerned parties. To facilitate effective implementation, Respondents shall conduct regular training sessions for school staff, students, and other stakeholders,” the Court said.

The order also specified that a "grievance redressal mechanism" should be established to address concerns raised by affected parties and stakeholders.

“On the basis of feedback, reviews and updates to the plan should also be undertaken to adapt to evolving challenges,” the Court directed.

Justice Narula noted that while the Delhi Government has already taken initial steps to address these concerns, it is crucial that these measures be finalized and implemented without delay, rather than remaining in the conceptual or deliberative stage.

“The Respondents must formulate an effective strategy to address bomb threats and prevent potential disasters, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and through coordinated efforts between various agencies, including law enforcement, municipal authorities, and representative bodies of school administrations,” the Court said.

Furthermore, the Court emphasized that authorities must prepare to tackle the evolving challenges posed by bomb threats, especially in the digital age, where anonymity provides perpetrators with greater confidence.

“Respondents No.1 and 2 must focus on deterrence by demonstrating that such acts will not go unpunished, thereby sending a clear message to potential offenders that their actions will have serious consequences. It would reinforce public confidence and dissuade others from engaging in such activities. However, the Court must reiterate that such operational strategies are best left to the wisdom of the executive, as directing such modalities falls outside the Court's remit,” the Court said.

The petition had called for the creation of an action plan to address the "repeated incidents of bomb threats" in schools across Delhi. It also advocated for regular evacuation drills and other safety exercises to ensure the security of children attending schools. Bhargava referenced an incident from November of the previous year, where an email about a bomb threat at the Indian School was later found to be a hoax.

Bhargava submitted that if the children studying in schools are under repeated and constant threat, it is the collective failure of one and all to provide a safe environment

Title: ARPIT BHARGAVA v. GNCTD & ANR.