Supreme Court Directs Centre to Preserve RAF Ammunition Log in Plea Challenging Use of Pellet Guns During NEET Protest.
New Delhi:
The Supreme Court today directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar during the students’ protest over the alleged NEET paper leak, while hearing a petition seeking a nationwide ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for crowd control.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana passed the direction after hearing submissions made by senior advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared in the matter. The court also asked the Delhi government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for individuals who allegedly sustained pellet injuries during the protest.
The petition has been filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two individuals who claim they were injured during the “Sansad Chalo” demonstration held in central Delhi on July 20. Filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, the public interest litigation (PIL) seeks a complete nationwide prohibition on the use of wholly or partly metallic pellet ammunition fired from pump-action or projectile-action guns for dispersing civilian assemblies.
The petition argues that metallic pellet ammunition is inherently incompatible with constitutional standards governing the use of force and poses a serious threat to life and personal safety. It also seeks exemplary compensation, comprehensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation for all those allegedly injured during the protest.
During the hearing, the Bench questioned one of the prayers seeking a blanket ban on pellet guns, noting that an advisory issued by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) permits police forces to use pellet guns in exceptional law-and-order situations. The court observed that law enforcement agencies are empowered to use such equipment under specific circumstances and indicated that the issue required careful judicial examination.
At the same time, the Supreme Court expressed its willingness to examine the circumstances surrounding the use of pellet guns during the July 20 protest. Taking note of the submissions made on behalf of the petitioners, the Bench directed the Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to preserve the ammunition records of the RAF personnel deployed at the protest site, ensuring that relevant evidence remains available during the course of the proceedings.
The matter raises significant constitutional questions regarding the permissible use of force by law enforcement agencies during public demonstrations and the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens. The case is expected to be taken up for further hearing on a later date as the Supreme Court continues to examine the issues raised in the petition.
