Chaos gripped two of India’s busiest High Courts on Friday after bomb threat emails forced emergency evacuations. Hours after the Delhi High Court received a chilling email warning that explosives had been planted inside courtrooms, a similar threat reached the Bombay High Court, leading to immediate evacuation of judges, lawyers, and staff.
Judges Leave Benches, Premises Cleared
In Mumbai, proceedings came to a sudden halt as judges rose from their benches and courtrooms were cleared. Advocates, litigants, and court staff were ushered out while bomb squads and sniffer dog units swept the building. The sudden disruption left the sprawling court complex deserted within minutes.
In Delhi, the High Court had earlier received an email in the morning that claimed three bombs had been placed inside the court premises and directed evacuation by 2 p.m., before Friday prayers.
Disturbing Details in Email
The email carried an inflammatory subject line linking Pakistan and Tamil Nadu and alleged a plan to replicate the 1998 Patna bombings. It claimed that “three bombs have been planted in judges’ chambers and courtrooms.”
The message named individuals, made political and communal references, and even threatened an acid attack on a political leader’s family member. It bizarrely provided a contact name and number for the IED’s location and defusing code.
Security Agencies on High Alert
Following the twin threats, both courts were cordoned off. Bomb disposal squads, anti-sabotage units, and police teams are conducting intensive searches. Intelligence agencies have also been roped in to trace the origin of the emails.
Past Instances
Courts across India have faced similar hoax threats in the past, but today’s coordinated targeting of the Delhi and Bombay High Courts has triggered serious concern. Security at other courts is also being reviewed.
