The Supreme Court observed on Thursday that police are empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations while directing the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force deployed at Jantar Mantar. According to court proceedings, the directive emerges as allegations of pellet gun use against protesters during a July 20 student protest led by CJP have turned into a political debate in Parliament.
Court Directives and Medical Treatment for Injured Protesters
A Bench consisting of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana directed the Delhi government to provide adequate treatment to protesters injured by the alleged firing of pellet guns. The bench noted that all injured persons during protests must receive proper medical attention. Court observations highlighted that police are permitted to use bullets in extreme violent situations when lathicharge and tear gas fail to control violence. Following that logic, the bench questioned how authorities could be barred from using pellet guns if a protest turns violent after being hijacked by miscreants for ulterior purposes. The top court also questioned petitioner and ex-IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad for seeking a ban on pellet gun use against protesters.
CRPF Post-Event Analysis and Force Gradient Deployment
A Central Reserve Police Force post-event analysis stated that all standard operating procedures and anti-riot drills were followed during the July 20 action against anti-NEET leak protesters, which included the authorized use of non-lethal means like pellet guns. According to CRPF sources, reviewing the Rapid Action Force response showed that a force gradient was followed. Pump-action guns were deployed only after lower-grade measures, including public crowd-dispersal announcements, tear gas, and lathicharge, failed to control the mob. Around 3 to 5 protesters sustained injuries from metal pellets, while 47 RAF personnel were injured, with six sustaining head injuries.
Did You Know? During the July 20 student protest led by CJP against the NEET leak, around 3 to 5 protesters were injured by metal pellets alongside 47 injured RAF personnel.
Leadership Support and Force Accountability
CRPF Director General G P Singh expressed public support for troops carrying out duties in bona fide circumstances. Speaking at a CRPF investiture ceremony coinciding with its Raising Day on Monday, Singh stated that as Director General, he takes responsibility for all decisions and actions carried out by operational battalions and law-and-order units in the bona fide discharge of duties aligned with public, force, and national interests. He urged personnel to continue performing duties fearlessly, noting that he will take responsibility and accountability wherever required.
Potential Implications and Next Legal Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Supreme Court direct the Centre to do?
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force deployed at Jantar Mantar and instructed the Delhi government to provide adequate treatment to injured protesters.
Who petitioned the court regarding pellet guns?
Former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad filed a petition seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns against protesters.
What did the CRPF post-event analysis conclude about the July 20 action?
The CRPF analysis concluded that all standard operating procedures and anti-riot drills were followed, utilizing a force gradient where pump-action guns were deployed only after lower-grade measures failed.
How do you view the balance between maintaining public order and ensuring protester safety during demonstrations?