Supreme Court Issues Notice to Government on Pellet Gun Usage
The Supreme Court has taken a significant step by issuing a notice to the central government concerning the use of pellet guns for crowd control. This follows a petition from individuals injured during a protest, prompting the court to seek details on the Standard Operating Procedures governing such actions. The court has also requested the petitioners to revise their request for a complete ban on pellet guns. This development highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force in crowd management and the need for clear regulations.
| Jul 30, 2026, 12:11 IST
Supreme Court's Notice on Pellet Gun Usage
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government regarding a petition that seeks to prohibit the use of pellet guns for crowd control. The court has requested information from the government about the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) related to the deployment of pellet guns and the circumstances under which they can be utilized. This action follows a petition filed by Yashovardhan Azad, a former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, along with two others, who were injured by pellet gun fire during a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20.
Court Requests Amendments to the Petition
Supreme Court Asks Petitioners to Revise Their Request
During the hearing, the Supreme Court urged the petitioners to amend their request, which currently calls for a complete ban on the use of pellet guns. The court indicated that appropriate modifications should be made to the petition and instructed the government to maintain the SOP on record that governs the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies. Further proceedings in this matter will take place following the government's response.