SC Asks Centre To Preserve RAF Ammunition Log In NEET Protest Pellet Gun Case

New Delhi, Jul 30: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar during the students’ protest over the NEET paper leak, while agreeing to examine the use of pellet guns during the demonstrations. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation seeking a nationwide ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for crowd control. The Bench also asked the Delhi Government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those who allegedly suffered pellet injuries during the July 20 protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). During the hearing, senior advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the petitioners, urged the court to examine the use of pellet guns against student protesters. Taking note of the submissions, the Bench directed the Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to preserve the RAF’s ammunition records related to the deployment. The court, however, questioned one of the key prayers in the petition seeking a complete ban on metallic pellet guns, observing that the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) advisory permits the use of such weapons in exceptional law-and-order situations. The petition has been filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two individuals who claimed they sustained pellet injuries during the “Sansad Chalo” protest at Jantar Mantar. Filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, the plea seeks a nationwide prohibition on the use of wholly or partly metallic pellet ammunition fired from pump-action or projectile-action guns for dispersing civilian assemblies, arguing that such weapons are incompatible with constitutional standards governing the use of force. The petition also seeks compensation, comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation for all those allegedly injured during the protest.