New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India directed the Union Government to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force deployed at Jantar Mantar during recent student demonstrations over the NEET examination paper leak. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued the directive while hearing a Public Interest Litigation seeking a comprehensive nationwide ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for crowd control during civilian assemblies.
The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, was jointly instituted by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad alongside two individuals who sustained injuries during the protest in central Delhi. Representation by senior advocate Vrinda Grover highlighted the severity of the casualties, prompting the apex court to direct the Delhi government to ensure the best possible medical treatment and rehabilitation for all affected victims. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, was instructed to secure all deployment and ammunition records from the incident.
Addressing the broader legal challenge regarding crowd control measures, the Bench referenced guidelines from the Bureau of Police Research and Development, noting that law enforcement agencies retain the authority to utilize pellet guns under exceptional law and order circumstances. However, the court expressed its readiness to thoroughly examine the specific application of force during the demonstrations organized by the Cockroach Janta Party. The proceedings remain ongoing as the court assesses whether the use of projectile-action pellet weapons aligns with constitutional standards governing proportionality and the right to peaceful assembly.
