Delhi High Court tells Delhi government to finalise SOP to tackle bomb threats

The Delhi High Court recently directed the Delhi government to develop and finalise a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), for handling bomb threats and similar emergencies [Arpit Bhargava v. GNCTD Delhi].

The Court passed the order on a petition filed in the wake of bomb threats received by schools in Delhi.

On November 14, Justice Sanjeev Narula directed the government to ensure that the SOP issued to address such threats clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, school managements, and municipal authorities, ensuring seamless coordination and implementation.

These stakeholders are also to be consulted before the SOP is finalised, the Court said.

"Once finalized, the action plan and SOP shall be disseminated among all concerned parties. To facilitate effective implementation, Respondents (government authorities) shall conduct regular training sessions for school staff, students, and other stakeholders," the Court added.

The Court also ordered the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism 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 said.

The Court further urged the authorities to implement these directions in a timely manner, preferably within eight weeks.

The Court issued the directions while disposing of a plea by one, Arpit Bhargava who had raised concerns over the Delhi government's failure to tackle and/ or prevent bomb threats to schools in Delhi.

He argued that if school children are under such threats constantly, it reflected a collective failure to provide a safe environment.

During the course of hearings, the Delhi government and the Delhi police submitted a list of measures outlined to address such issues through draft action plans. An association of unaided schools in Delhi was also invited to give suggestions, which were taken on record by the Court.

The Court noted that while it is impractical to expect a foolproof mechanism to eliminate bomb threats altogether in a modern world, the government should brace themselves to meet such evolving challenges.

"Such operational strategies are best left to the wisdom of the executive, as directing such modalities falls outside the Court’s remit," the Court further observed.

The Court noted that the government has already taken initial steps to address the issue, as evidenced by the draft action plans, standing operating procedures, and status reports.

However, these measures must be finalized and implemented promptly, rather than remaining confined to a conceptual or deliberative stage, the Court added.

The Court also directed the government to consider any suggestions that the petitioner may have on addressing these issues.

"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," the Court directed.

With these observations and directions, the Court disposed of the plea.

Advocates Beenashaw N Soni, Arpit Bhargava, Hina Bhargava, Sania Yusuf, Sarthak Sharma and Pankaj appeared for the petitioner.

Advocates Kamal Gupta, Sparsh Aggarwal, Yosha Dutt and Rashi Agarwa appeared for the respondents.

[Read Order]