Bomb Scare Triggers Evacuation of Bombay High Court, Days After Delhi HC Alert

By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 12 Sep,2025

Bomb Scare Triggers Evacuation of Bombay High Court, Days After Delhi HC Alert

Mumbai was gripped by tension on Friday after a bomb scare at the Bombay High Court led to the immediate evacuation of the historic building. The incident comes just days after a similar alert at the Delhi High Court, sparking fresh concerns over security at India’s major judicial institutions.

Panic in the Heart of Mumbai

According to officials, court proceedings were underway when an anonymous threat was received, warning of explosives inside the premises. Authorities acted quickly, ordering judges, lawyers, staff, and visitors to vacate the building. Within minutes, the usually bustling court complex turned into a scene of controlled chaos as people rushed out to safety.

Security teams cordoned off the area while the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), along with sniffer dogs and advanced scanning equipment, carried out a thorough search. Thankfully, no explosives were found. The scare was later confirmed as a hoax, but it left behind a trail of fear and raised serious questions about security preparedness.

A Repeat of Delhi High Court Alert

The incident comes close on the heels of a bomb scare at the Delhi High Court, which had also forced evacuation earlier this week. While both alerts turned out to be false, experts believe the pattern suggests either coordinated mischief or deliberate attempts to disrupt judicial functioning.

“The judiciary is the backbone of democracy. Any attempt to create panic in such places is aimed at shaking public confidence,” said a senior police officer involved in the investigation.

Authorities are now working to trace the source of the call. Initial reports suggest the possibility of spoofed numbers and internet-based calling apps being used to mask the caller’s identity.

Security Tightened Across Courts

Following these back-to-back scares, the Home Ministry has directed state governments to step up security at all high courts and district courts across the country. In Mumbai, additional security personnel have been deployed at the entrances of the Bombay High Court, with strict frisking and baggage checks for all visitors.

CCTV surveillance is being monitored round the clock, and access points have been reduced to ensure tighter control. Similar measures are being taken in Delhi and other metros.

Public and Legal Community React

The legal fraternity expressed relief that the threat was a hoax but also voiced frustration over the disruptions. Lawyers and litigants, many of whom travel from distant suburbs and towns for hearings, complained about the sudden halt in proceedings.

“This is not just about wasted time. These hoax calls cause unnecessary panic and disrupt the functioning of justice. The government must deal with such mischief-makers strictly,” said advocate Meera Deshpande, who was present during the evacuation.

Members of the public, too, expressed concern. Many worry that repeated scares may embolden miscreants while stretching police resources thin.

Investigators Eye Possible Motives

Investigating agencies are exploring several theories. One possibility is that pranksters may be behind the calls, motivated by mischief rather than malice. Another, more serious concern is whether these hoaxes are part of a larger ploy to test security systems or create fear before an actual attack.

Cybercrime experts have been roped in to trace digital footprints. Police sources said tracing such calls is challenging but not impossible, and strict action will follow once the culprits are identified.

A Reminder of Past Incidents

India has witnessed several bomb threats to courts and government offices in recent years. While most turned out to be false alarms, they highlight the vulnerabilities of high-profile institutions. In 2011, the Delhi High Court was the target of a real terror attack that claimed 15 lives—an incident still fresh in the collective memory of many.

This history makes it all the more important for security agencies to treat every alert seriously, even if it eventually proves to be a hoax.

What Lies Ahead

The Bombay High Court is expected to resume normal functioning once security agencies give the all-clear. Meanwhile, investigations will continue to identify the source of the threat.

For the public, the twin scares in Delhi and Mumbai serve as a reminder of the fragile balance between daily life and sudden disruption. For the judiciary, it underscores the need for stronger security protocols in a time when hoax threats can be just as damaging as real ones.

As India moves forward, one thing is certain: safeguarding institutions of justice must remain a top priority, because any threat—real or fake—strikes at the very heart of democracy.