The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to issue specific directions concerning the use of the dark web and virtual private networks (VPNs) in the context of recent hoax bomb threats targeting schools in the national capital. Justice Anish Dayal, who presided over the matter, observed that the issue was within the executive domain and that the authorities were aware of their responsibilities.
The court was hearing a contempt plea filed by advocate Arpit Bhargava against the Delhi government’s Chief Secretary and the Police Commissioner. The petition alleged non-compliance with a November 2024 court directive that had called for a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP), to tackle such threats.
Government and Police File SOP, Court Closes Contempt Plea
Dismissing the plea, the court took note of the government’s submission that a comprehensive SOP for handling bomb threats in schools had already been notified and implemented. The Directorate of Education informed the court that the SOP, approved on May 16, included several preventive and emergency preparedness measures such as installation of CCTV cameras, evacuation plans, regular mock drills, and monthly safety checklists submitted to district authorities.
Delhi Police, represented by advocate Farman Ali, also confirmed that they had contributed suggestions to the SOP and would soon issue an updated circular for its enforcement. The court acknowledged that the SOP encompassed preventive, preparative, responsive, and recovery measures and that its rollout would span over a six-month implementation window.
“Dark Web and VPNs a Global Concern, Not a Judicial Mandate”
Despite the petitioner’s insistence that the SOP did not address the key issue of hoax threats emanating from the dark web and VPNs, the court declined to issue any further directives. “There are people who are cognisant of this. We cannot at your behest direct the executive to carry out this in a particular manner. They know their responsibilities,” Justice Dayal remarked.
Referring to its previous observation in November 2024, the court had noted that “hoax threats, particularly those perpetrated through sophisticated methods such as the dark web and VPNs, were not unique to Delhi or even India,” and were part of a global law enforcement challenge.
Transparency Measures in Place
As per the SOP, all school heads are required to ensure strict compliance and submit a monthly safety checklist detailing the status of safety drills, equipment, and updated emergency contact lists. This move, the court said, would help maintain transparency and accountability among stakeholders.
Petition Originated After Bomb Threat to DPS Mathura Road
The contempt petition stemmed from a 2023 hoax bomb threat incident involving Delhi Public School, Mathura Road. Advocate Beenashaw N. Soni, appearing for Bhargava, argued that the authorities had shown an “apparent disregard” for previous court orders and failed to act effectively in the public interest.
Earlier submissions by Delhi Police had revealed that the capital has five bomb disposal squads and 18 detection teams catering to more than 4,600 schools — a number the petitioner described as inadequate.
While the court acknowledged the seriousness of security threats posed via modern anonymous communication tools, it underlined that framing technology-specific countermeasures lies within the purview of the executive. With the SOP now in place, the court expressed hope that all stakeholders would act with diligence to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and staff.
