Recognising the potential risks and vulnerabilities, the court has urged the Delhi Police to collaborate with key educational institutions like IIT-Delhi, Delhi University, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Delhi high court has issued directives to hold a meeting with management committee responsible for holding fests at IIT Delhi. This move by the honourable high court underscores the critical need for robust security measures during college festivals, emphasising the safety and protection of attendees. The court’s proactive stance, triggered by concerns raised over the alleged unauthorised filming incident at Delhi University’s Bharti College during IIT Delhi’s annual Rendezvous fest, highlights a pivotal issue.
Recognising the potential risks and vulnerabilities, the court has urged the Delhi Police to collaborate with key educational institutions like IIT-Delhi, Delhi University, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Their joint efforts aim to develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specifically tailored to enhance security measures during such significant events.
This initiative stems from the court’s acknowledgment of lapses in security arrangements, as highlighted in a prior report. The lapses not only compromised safety but also resulted in injuries, violations, and psychological distress among students attending these festivals.
The court’s order emphasises the urgency of addressing these concerns. It invites collaboration among institutions to implement effective security protocols, ensuring that incidents like unauthorised filming or breaches of privacy are prevented. Furthermore, suggestions for infrastructural audits near sensitive areas, such as ladies’ toilets, underscore the holistic approach sought by the court.
“The aforesaid newspaper report notes that during the Rendezvous festival, organised by Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi [“IIT-D”] on October 6, 2023, a group of students enrolled in Bharati College, University of Delhi, who had been invited to participate in a fashion show event, spotted an individual secretly filming them while they were changing costumes in a washroom. Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, the individual was identified to be a part of IIT-D’s housekeeping staff,” the high court highlighted.
The participation of the concerned educational institutions in framing these SOPs reflects their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their students and attendees. The court’s upcoming review in January 2024 signifies the seriousness with which it views this matter and its intent to enforce robust security measures for future events.
Ultimately, this directive underscores the paramount importance of prioritising security arrangements during college festivals to create a safe and conducive environment for all participants.
