The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Central government on a petition seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control. The court has asked the Centre to explain the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the use of pellet guns and under what circumstances they can be deployed. This comes after
the petition was filed by former Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad along with two persons who were allegedly injured by pellet gun fire during the police action at Delhi's Jantar Mantar protest on July 20.
Supreme Court asks petitioners to modify plea
During the hearing, the Supreme Court asked the petitioners to amend their plea, which currently seeks a complete ban on the use of pellet guns. The court indicated that the petition should be modified appropriately while simultaneously directing the Centre to place on record the SOP that governs the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies. The matter will now proceed after the government files its response.
Petition challenges use of pellet guns for crowd control
The plea seeks decommissioning of pellet guns used by law enforcement agencies for dispersing crowds during law and order situations.
It argues that the use of pellet guns against peaceful protesters is inherently disproportionate and unconstitutional. According to the petition, deploying such weapons to disperse non-violent gatherings fails the test of reasonableness and violates constitutional protections.
The petitioners have contended that less harmful alternatives should be adopted for crowd management.
Compensation sought for those injured at Jantar Mantar
Apart from seeking restrictions on pellet guns, the petition has also sought compensation and medical treatment for all those who were allegedly injured during the police action at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The petitioners have urged the court to ensure that the victims receive appropriate medical care and compensation for the injuries suffered during the incident.
Rahul Gandhi demands probe into alleged police action on protesters
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday demanded an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate the alleged police action against student protesters. In a post on X, Gandhi called for an impartial probe into the alleged use of force against students during the July 20 protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. "Students deserve justice. An independent SC monitored high powered committee must be constituted to probe brutalities against our students," Gandhi said.