Supreme Court Demands Clarity on Pellet Gun Use Amid Protests

On July 30, the Supreme Court of India called upon the government to submit all pertinent standing orders regarding the deployment of pellet guns by law enforcement. This request came during a hearing focused on a petition advocating for a total prohibition of pellet guns against civilians. The court's inquiry highlights ongoing concerns about the use of these controversial weapons, particularly in light of recent protests that have sparked significant public outcry. The Delhi Police has been under scrutiny following allegations that they employed pellet guns against demonstrators during the Cockroach Janata Party's 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20, which resulted in injuries to several individuals.

The Supreme Court's directive included an order for the Delhi Police to maintain and safeguard all duty logs, as well as records of weapons and ammunition utilized during the protests. This move underscores the court's commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of force by police. The petition, which was brought forth by former Intelligence Bureau officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two protestors who sustained injuries, Prashant Kumar and Sheikh Irshad, seeks to address the broader implications of using such forceful measures against civilians during demonstrations. The court's examination of the standing orders will play a crucial role in determining the legality and appropriateness of the police's actions during these events.