SC To Frame Guidelines On Pellet Gun Use During Protests (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said it would formulate a comprehensive protocol governing the use of pellet guns during protests and crowd-control situations, observing that the court would examine whether such weapons should be used at all and, if permitted, under what circumstances they can be deployed.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, was hearing a batch of petitions related to the July 20 Jantar Mantar student protest. The court indicated that a detailed framework may be required to regulate the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies during demonstrations and public order situations.
The court also suggested the possibility of setting up a high-powered committee to examine various concerns arising from the Jantar Mantar protests, including allegations related to the use of force by security personnel.
The development comes days after the Supreme Court heard a plea seeking restrictions on the use of metallic pellet ammunition against civilians during crowd-control operations. The petitioners argued that pellet guns can cause severe injuries, particularly to the eyes and other sensitive body parts.
During an earlier hearing on July 30, the Supreme Court had declined to impose an immediate nationwide ban on pellet guns, noting that existing guidelines issued by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) allow their use in exceptional circumstances.
The court observed that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, authorities may adopt a graded response if demonstrations become violent or if anti-social elements enter a gathering. However, allegations of misuse in specific incidents can be examined separately.
The petitions before the court relate to the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), during which some protesters allegedly suffered pellet injuries. The plea was filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad along with two protesters.
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The Supreme Court had earlier directed authorities to preserve the ammunition records of the Rapid Action Force deployed during the protest and asked the Delhi government to ensure proper medical treatment for those injured.
During Monday's hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that discussions were underway with representatives of the protesting group and assured that the Centre would submit its affidavit in the matter.
The case will be heard next on August 19, when the court is expected to examine the government's response and further deliberate on guidelines for pellet gun usage during protests.
