Pellet Guns – Supreme Court Orders Preservation of RAF Ammunition Records in Protest Case
Pellet Guns –The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to preserve the ammunition records of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed during the July 20 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak. The court has also agreed to examine concerns raised over the reported use of pellet guns during the demonstration, marking an important step in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the police response.
Court Takes Up Public Interest Petition
The matter came before a bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad. The petition was submitted along with two individuals who alleged they suffered pellet injuries during the “Sansad Chalo” protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
During the proceedings, the petitioners argued that the court should assess whether the force used during the demonstration complied with constitutional principles governing public order and citizens’ rights.
Petition Challenges Use of Metallic Pellet Ammunition
The PIL seeks a nationwide prohibition on the use of pellet ammunition containing wholly or partially metallic components when employed for crowd control. According to the petition, such projectiles pose a serious risk of injury and are inconsistent with constitutional safeguards related to the use of force by law enforcement agencies.
The petition also requests broader judicial scrutiny of existing policing practices involving projectile-based crowd management equipment.
Bench Questions Demand for Complete Ban
While hearing the matter, the Supreme Court questioned whether a complete prohibition on pellet guns would be appropriate. The judges referred to an advisory issued by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), which allows the use of pellet guns only in exceptional situations under specified conditions.
The observations indicated that the court intends to examine both the legal framework and the specific facts of the July 20 incident before arriving at any conclusions regarding the wider policy sought by the petitioners.
Centre Directed to Preserve RAF Ammunition Log
Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the petitioners, urged the bench to closely examine the reported use of pellet guns during the NEET protest. Taking note of these submissions, the court instructed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, to ensure that the Rapid Action Force’s ammunition log from the day of the protest is preserved.
The direction is expected to help maintain official records that may become relevant during the court’s examination of the incident and the allegations raised in the petition.
Medical Assistance Ordered for Injured Protesters
In addition to preserving official records, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to provide the best possible medical treatment to individuals who claimed they were injured by pellets during the demonstration.
The PIL, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, also seeks compensation for those allegedly affected, along with comprehensive medical care and rehabilitation measures. The petitioners have argued that individuals injured during the protest should receive appropriate support while the legal issues surrounding the incident are examined.
The case is likely to continue before the Supreme Court, where the bench will consider both the legality of the alleged use of pellet ammunition during the July 20 protest and the broader questions raised regarding crowd control practices across the country.