Supreme Court of India Permits Pellet Guns in Exceptional Cases

The Supreme Court of India ruled on Thursday that police forces are permitted to use pellet guns in exceptional situations, rejecting a petition for a nationwide ban on metallic pellet ammunition. The legal challenge was brought by Yashovardhan Azad, a former Central Information Commissioner and IB special director.

The ruling follows a July 20 "Sansad Chalo" protest at Jantar Mantar, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party to protest alleged NEET examination paper leaks. During the demonstration, the Rapid Action Force and other police units deployed tear gas and lathi-charges. While the Delhi Police initially denied the use of pellet ammunition, several demonstrators alleged they sustained pellet injuries during the crackdown.

Chief Justice Surya Kant suggested the petitioner amend the plea to either challenge the existing rules governing pellet gun use or seek a formal protocol to prevent excessive force. As part of the judgment, the court ordered the Government of Delhi to provide medical treatment to the injured protesters and directed the Central government to preserve the ammunition logs of the Rapid Action Force.