The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi government to draft and implement a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), to address bomb threats and similar emergencies in schools.

The directions were issued by Justice Sanjeev Narula while disposing of a petition filed by Arpit Bhargava, who raised concerns over the government’s failure to provide a secure environment for schoolchildren amidst recurring bomb threats.

Advocate Beenashaw N. Soni appeared for the petitioner, and Advocate Kamal Gupta appeared for the respondent.

The Court emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including law enforcement, school management, and municipal authorities, to ensure seamless coordination. It directed that these parties be consulted before the SOP is finalized.

"The Respondents have already taken initial steps to address these concerns, as reflected in the draft action plans, standing operating procedures, and status reports placed on record. However, it is imperative that these measures are finalized and implemented promptly, rather than remaining confined to a 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.

The Court passed the following directions to the Respondents:

1. Develop a comprehensive action plan, which shall include a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for addressing bomb threats and related emergencies. The SOP must clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, school management, and municipal authorities, ensuring seamless coordination and implementation.

2. The action plan, encompassing the SOP, shall be finalized by Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including representatives from schools, law enforcement agencies, concerned municipal authorities, and other state departments.

3. The Petitioner, who has raised valid and significant concerns in this matter, is permitted to submit a detailed representation identifying specific suggestions or perceived gaps in the measures under consideration. These representations shall be considered by the Respondent No.1 and 2 while finalizing the action plan and SOP.

4. Once finalized, the action plan and SOP shall be disseminated among all concerned parties.

5. To facilitate effective implementation, Respondents shall conduct regular training sessions for school staff, students, and other stakeholders.

6. A grievance redressal mechanism shall 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

While noting the efforts of the Delhi government and police, including the submission of draft action plans and SOPs, the Court stressed the need for timely implementation. It observed that operational strategies to combat bomb threats are best left to the executive’s discretion, but proactive measures are essential to adapt to evolving challenges.

Accordingly, the Court disposed of the petiiton.

Cause Title: Arpit Bhargava v. GNCTD Delhi [Neutral Citation No. 2024: DHC: 8903]

Appearance:-

Petitioner: Advocates Beenashaw N Soni, Arpit Bhargava, Hina Bhargava, Sania Yusuf, Sarthak Sharma, Pankaj

Respondent: Advocates Kamal Gupta, Sparsh Aggarwal, Yosha Dutt, Rashi Agarwal

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Justice Sanjeev NarulaDelhi High Court

Sukriti Mishra