Pellet Gun Plea: SC Asks Centre To Preserve RAF Ammo Log In NEET Protest Case

NEW DELHI, Jul 30: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at Jantar Mantar during protests over the NEET paper leak, while considering a plea seeking a ban on metallic pellet ammunition for crowd control.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of submissions by senior advocate Vrinda Grover and asked the Delhi government to provide the best available medical treatment to those who suffered pellet injuries during the protest.

The court also questioned a prayer seeking a complete ban on the use of metallic pellet guns in law and order situations, referring to the advisory issued by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), which permits their use in exceptional circumstances.

The bench, however, said it was willing to examine the use of pellet guns during the July 20 protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Taking note of Grover’s submissions, the court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, to ensure preservation of the ammunition log of the RAF personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar during the protest.

The plea has been filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad along with two alleged victims, seeking a nationwide ban on wholly or partly metallic pellet ammunition fired from pump-action or projectile-action guns for dispersing civilian assemblies.

The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, contends that such weapons are inherently incompatible with constitutional standards governing the use of force.

It also seeks exemplary compensation, comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation for persons allegedly injured in the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest in central Delhi. (Agencies)