Delhi NCR rape cases: Supreme Court orders heightened patrolling near schools, cab driver checks

In a slew of sweeping measures to curb sexual offences in the national capital, the Supreme Court has ordered enhanced patrolling around educational institutions, stringent verification of drivers operating public transport and app-based cabs, real-time monitoring of vehicle-tracking and SOS systems, and action against establishments serving liquor unlawfully.

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A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran observed that the recurrence of sexual offences in public spaces, despite existing protocols such as anti-eve-teasing squads, called into question whether these measures were being implemented "with the degree of consistency, supervision and accountability" required.

The court accordingly made the Chief Secretary and the Delhi Police Commissioner responsible for filing periodic compliance reports, warning that the two officers would be held "personally answerable" for any lapses.

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"There shall be enhanced beat patrolling on an immediate basis, across the NCT of Delhi, more particularly around educational institutions (including schools, colleges, universities and coaching institutions) and other zones which get flagged under the vulnerability mapping exercise," the Bench directed, while adding that the police chief must apprise the court whether control-room command centres or "war rooms" were operational in the capital and detail the protocols for real-time coordination and emergency response.

The latest directions follow the court's September 28 order taking suo motu cognisance of a spate of rape cases reported across Delhi-NCR. The court said the intervention was aimed at strengthening immediate crime-prevention and emergency-response mechanisms, while also requiring the authorities to identify gaps in existing policies and their implementation.

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'Self-reinforcing cycle'

Underlining the importance of preventive policing, the Bench referred to the "Broken Windows theory" of policing, noting that seemingly minor administrative lapses such as unattended streetlights, dysfunctional CCTV cameras, dark stretches and unresolved public complaints could eventually create a "heightened perception of insecurity" among citizens and deter them from using public spaces, fueling a "self-reinforcing cycle" that provides greater scope for crime.

The Bench also advised police personnel to interact with residents and exchange information on criminal or delinquent activity in their neighbourhoods, particularly around educational institutions and paying-guest accommodations housing young women.

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Verification of app-based cab drivers

Notably, the court also directed strict verification of drivers and assistants operating government and private buses, cabs, taxis and autorickshaws, including vehicles linked to app-based aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. Only registered and verified persons would be permitted to operate such vehicles, with their names and photographs prominently displayed to enable passengers to identify and report unauthorised drivers.

"Any substitution or sub-letting shall be strictly subject to prior registration and verification, and unauthorised sub-letting to an unverified driver must be prohibited. Vehicle checkpoints shall be meaningfully utilised for such verification, including through periodic and surprise checks," the Bench directed, adding that violations should invite prompt action, including suspension or dismissal of the driver or assistant and seizure of the vehicle.

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On emergency-response systems, the court directed the authorities to make passengers aware of the functioning of SOS alerts, including the assistance available after activation and the expected response time. They must also place on record the protocol governing such alerts, the personnel responsible for acting on them and the system used to track response times.

The Bench also called for a review of the functioning of the "Shishtachar Squads", set up through a Delhi Police circular in March 2025 to tackle eve-teasing and sexual harassment in public places. The Delhi Police Commissioner has been asked to produce the squads' weekly reports for the past three months, together with details of the areas covered, frequency of drives, and action taken.

'Blind spots'

The Bench also turned its attention to conditions in public spaces that could pose safety risks. It directed the authorities to remove trucks, heavy vehicles, and other vehicles routinely parked at locations where they obstruct visibility or create "blind spots". Beat officers have also been tasked with keeping a watch on unauthorised liquor outlets, illegal sale of alcohol, and instances of crowding or loitering around such establishments.

The court directed the authorities to file comprehensive, district-wise status reports by November 6, detailing compliance with its earlier and latest directions, measures still pending, and reasons for any delay. It posted the matter for further hearing on November 16.