SC Reviews Pellet Gun Use at Delhi Protest
The Supreme Court has observed that pellet guns may be used by police only in exceptional situations, while agreeing to examine their deployment during the July 20 student protest at Jantar Mantar. The court also ordered the preservation of Rapid Action Force ammunition records from the operation.
Supreme Court Examines Pellet Gun Use
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing petitions seeking a nationwide ban on metallic pellet ammunition for dispersing civilian gatherings.
Referring to existing police guidelines, the bench noted that law-enforcement agencies are permitted to deploy such weapons in exceptional circumstances. However, it did not approve their routine use or conclude that the action during the Delhi protest was justified.
The court said it would separately examine whether pellet weapons were used during the demonstration and whether the action complied with established protocols.
RAF Ammunition Records to Be Preserved
The Centre was directed to preserve the complete ammunition log of the RAF personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar during the protest.
The records could help establish the weapons and ammunition issued, the number of rounds discharged and the officers responsible for authorising their use.
Official records previously indicated that RAF personnel fired two rounds from anti-riot guns as protesters attempted to cross security barricades.
Delhi Told to Treat Injured Protesters
The bench directed the Delhi government to provide the best possible medical treatment to people who sustained pellet injuries during the protest.
The petition was filed by former police officer Yashovardhan Azad and two people claiming to have been injured during the march. It also seeks compensation, medical care and rehabilitation for those affected.
The case will determine whether the force used during the protest was lawful, necessary and proportionate.
