In a significant move, the Delhi High Court has recently taken suo motu cognizance of alarming security breach incidents during college festivals, particularly concerning the safety of female students. The court has directed authorities to urgently implement robust security measures to safeguard the well-being of students during these events.
Recent Incidents Prompt Court Action
The trigger for this directive was a distressing incident at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Multiple students from Delhi University (DU) alleged that they were unknowingly subjected to voyeurism when a video was surreptitiously recorded of them while they were changing clothes in a washroom during a fashion show organized by the institute.
High Court’s Vigilant Stand
A bench led by Chief Justice Satish Sharma, cognizant of the critical need to ensure the safety and privacy of students, emphasized the urgency of establishing stringent security measures. The court expressed concerns over the recurring incidents of security breaches and strongly criticized the lax attitude of organizers toward student safety.
Institutional Accountability
The High Court has also sought reports from prominent institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Indraprastha University, and Delhi University. These institutions are required to furnish details about their existing policies and security measures during festivals to ensure that such incidents are prevented.
Police Action and Government Involvement
Addressing the recent incident at IIT Delhi, the court has instructed the police to file an action taken report within two weeks, as part of their investigation and response to the matter. The Delhi Government and Delhi Police have also been served notices by the High Court, signifying the seriousness of the issue at hand.
The next hearing for this case has been scheduled for November 10, further emphasizing the urgency and importance of addressing security breaches and reinforcing the safety of students during college festivals.
