Supreme Court Orders Record Keeping of RAF Weapon Use During NEET Protest

Supreme Court Directs Government on NEET Protest Weapons

New Delhi, July 30 - The Supreme Court instructed the central government on Thursday to maintain records of the weapons used by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during the student protests at Jantar Mantar against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak. The court raised questions regarding a petition filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two individuals injured by pellets, which sought a complete ban on the use of metal pellet guns for crowd control. The court referenced the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), stating that police are authorized to use pellet guns in extraordinary circumstances.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan, considered the arguments presented by senior advocate Vrinda Grover and directed the Delhi government to ensure the best medical treatment for those injured by pellets during the NEET protest. However, the bench indicated its willingness to hear the case regarding the use of pellet guns during the protest led by the Cockroach Public Party (CAZPA) on July 20.

Azad approached the Supreme Court requesting a ban on the use of fully or partially metal pellets fired from 'pump-action' or 'projectile-action' guns to disperse crowds across the country, arguing that such weapons fundamentally violate constitutional standards related to the use of force. The public interest litigation was jointly filed by Azad and two individuals who claim to have been injured by pellets during the 'March to Parliament' protest held in central Delhi on July 20.

The petition also requests appropriate compensation, adequate medical facilities, and rehabilitation for all individuals allegedly injured in the incident.