The Bombay High Court was evacuated on Friday after receiving a bomb threat through email. Panic spread across the premises as judges, lawyers, staff, and visitors were asked to leave immediately. Police forces, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads rushed to the spot and launched a massive search operation inside the building. This incident came only days after a similar threat had been reported at the Delhi High Court, raising concerns about repeated hoax threats targeting judicial institutions.
How the Threat Reached Bombay High Court
According to officials, the bomb threat email was sent to the official address of the Bombay High Court on Friday afternoon. The email claimed that explosives had been planted in the building and warned of a possible blast.
High Court advocate Mangala Waghe confirmed that the premises were vacated after receiving the threat. She explained that police officials instructed everyone to step outside as a precautionary measure. Another lawyer revealed that police said it was the Chief Justice’s order to evacuate after the bomb scare.
Following standard operating procedures, the entire building was cleared of people. The bomb detection and disposal squad, supported by a dog squad, was deployed to thoroughly inspect every corner of the premises.
Police and Security Response
Senior police officers stated that a large-scale search operation was immediately launched after the email was received. Fire department personnel were also deployed to ensure complete safety during the search process.
Authorities said this was not the first time Mumbai had received such hoax bomb threats. In recent weeks, several prominent institutions and schools across the city had been targeted by similar emails. While investigations continue, officials urged the public to remain calm and not panic.
Delhi High Court Also Targeted Earlier
This threat to the Bombay High Court follows a similar incident at the Delhi High Court earlier in the week. Panic broke out when the Delhi High Court registry received a bomb threat email at around 8:39 am. The email claimed explosives were placed inside the premises and would detonate soon.
During ongoing hearings, court staff informed judges about the bomb threat. Some judges immediately rose and left their courtrooms around 11:35 am, while others continued hearings until noon before evacuating. Police teams, bomb disposal squads, and fire officials quickly reached the location, evacuating judges, lawyers, clerks, and visitors.
Details of the Delhi Threat Email
Sources revealed that the email sent to Delhi High Court was highly alarming. It claimed that three bombs had been planted in different parts of the court complex, including judges’ chambers. The message warned that explosions would occur right after the afternoon Islamic prayers. It instructed everyone to vacate the premises by 2 pm.
Following the threat, police carried out detailed searches with bomb squads and sniffer dogs. Security was tightened across the complex, and entry for outsiders was restricted.
Growing Pattern of Hoax Threats
Security agencies are investigating whether the threats to Delhi and Bombay High Courts are connected. Over the past few months, similar hoax threats have been sent to schools, metro stations, and major public offices across multiple cities. Each time, bomb disposal squads carried out searches, but no explosives were found.
Experts believe that such hoax threats are being used to create panic, disrupt court functioning, and waste security resources. However, officials emphasize that no threat can be ignored and that every report must be taken seriously to ensure public safety.
Impact on Court Proceedings
The bomb threat email caused immediate suspension of hearings at the Bombay High Court. Cases scheduled for the day had to be postponed as judges and lawyers evacuated the building. Similarly, the Delhi High Court had earlier seen hearings disrupted due to the evacuation.
Legal experts note that repeated disruptions caused by such hoaxes delay justice and impact thousands of pending cases. They also highlight the risk of psychological stress on judges, lawyers, and litigants present during such emergencies.
Security Measures Strengthened
In light of the incidents, both Delhi and Mumbai police have stepped up surveillance and security in and around court premises. Additional forces have been deployed at entry points, and strict checking is being carried out for visitors.
Authorities have also begun reviewing cybersecurity protocols, as the threats have repeatedly been sent through email. Specialized cybercrime teams are analyzing the source of these emails to trace the culprits.
The bomb threats to both Delhi and Bombay High Courts within days of each other have raised serious security concerns. While initial investigations suggest they may be hoax emails, the scale of disruption they cause is undeniable.
The evacuation of two of India’s most prominent courts highlights the urgent need for stronger cyber monitoring and quicker verification of such threats. For now, court activities remain under heightened security, with officials determined to ensure safety while also investigating the origins of these alarming emails.
