The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Central government on a petition seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control, asking the Centre to explain the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing their deployment and the circumstances under which such weapons can be used by law enforcement agencies.
The petition was filed by former Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad, along with two individuals who claimed they were injured in alleged pellet gun firing during the police action at the protest held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20. The petitioners have questioned the legality and proportionality of using pellet guns against protesters and sought judicial intervention to prohibit their use.
During the hearing, the apex court did not immediately pass any order on the demand for a blanket ban. Instead, the bench asked the petitioners to modify their plea, observing that the prayer seeking an outright prohibition may require reconsideration. The court indicated that the petition should be appropriately amended before the matter proceeds further.
At the same time, the Supreme Court directed the Central government to place on record the Standard Operating Procedure governing the use of pellet guns by security and law enforcement agencies. The court also sought clarification on the situations in which such weapons are authorised for crowd-control operations, signalling that it intends to closely examine the existing framework before taking a final view.
The petition has brought renewed attention to the contentious use of pellet guns in policing. While security agencies have maintained that pellet guns are classified as less-lethal weapons intended to disperse violent crowds and minimise fatalities, critics argue that their use can result in severe injuries, including permanent loss of vision and other life-altering consequences.
The petitioners have contended that alternative methods of crowd management should be adopted in place of pellet guns, especially in situations involving civilian protests. They have argued that the alleged injuries suffered during the July 20 police action at Jantar Mantar highlight the need for stricter safeguards and judicial scrutiny of existing protocols.
The Centre is now expected to file its response along with the SOP governing the deployment of pellet guns. The government may also be required to explain the legal framework, operational guidelines and accountability mechanisms that regulate their use during law-and-order situations.
The case assumes significance as it raises broader questions about balancing public order with the protection of fundamental rights. The Supreme Court's examination of the issue could have far-reaching implications for policing practices, the use of less-lethal force, and the formulation of future crowd-control policies in the country.
The matter will be taken up for further hearing after the Central government submits its response. More details are awaited.
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