Supreme Court mandates enhanced security measures near schools across India

The Supreme Court of India has issued directives to strengthen safety measures near schools and in public transport following a series of serious crimes in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The bench has ordered state governments and police authorities to implement enhanced patrolling mechanisms in areas surrounding educational institutions, with particular focus on routes used by students during peak hours.

In response to concerns about passenger safety in cab services, the court has mandated stricter verification protocols for cab drivers operating across the country. The directive aims to ensure that ride-sharing platforms and taxi services implement more rigorous background checks and documentation procedures before deploying drivers on their networks.

The court has further directed authorities to establish dedicated command centres, referred to as "war rooms," to oversee and coordinate police patrolling activities and monitor CCTV infrastructure in vulnerable areas. These centres are expected to serve as coordinated hubs for real-time surveillance and rapid response to incidents.

State police departments have been instructed to submit compliance reports detailing their implementation of these measures within a specified timeframe. The directives represent the court's intervention to address public safety concerns, particularly those affecting students and women commuters across major urban centres.