Supreme Court Petition Seeks Ban on Pellet Guns Used in Civil Protests

Petition Filed Against Use of Pellet Guns

New Delhi, July 28 - A former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, along with two injured individuals, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns by security forces during civil protests. The petition was filed on Monday by former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, Prashant Kumar, and Sheikh Irshad Mansoori through advocate Vrinda Grover. They are requesting directives to the central government and relevant authorities to cease the use of metal pellets or similar projectile weapons by law enforcement agencies for dispersing public gatherings.

Details of the Incident

Prashant Kumar (25) stated in the petition that he participated as a peaceful protester in the 'Parliament Chalo' march on July 20, opposing the NEET paper leak. He claims he was hit by pellets fired by Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, despite not engaging in any provocative or aggressive behavior. Similarly, Sheikh Irshad Mansoori (26) mentioned that he was present in Connaught Place for passport and visa-related work and was also injured by pellet gun fire without provoking any violence.

Claims of Excessive Force

The petition highlights that during the 'Parliament Chalo' march organized by the Cockroach Public Party (CAZPA) on July 20, 2026, the Delhi Police utilized the Central Reserve Police Force's Rapid Action Force for crowd control. The petitioners allege that between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, police and RAF personnel repeatedly fired tear gas, charged with batons, and pushed protesters towards the inner circle of Connaught Place. They noted that water cannons were not deployed, and no warnings were issued prior to the use of force.

Allegations of Unjustified Use of Force

According to the petition, even when protesters were retreating and many had raised their hands in a gesture of surrender, RAF personnel abruptly began firing their 'pump action guns,' resulting in pellets penetrating the bodies of Prashant Kumar and Mansoori, causing them immediate pain and bleeding. The petitioners argue that the right to assemble peacefully is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution, which can only be restricted under justifiable circumstances. They emphasized that any restrictions must meet the principles of necessity and proportionality, as clarified in various Supreme Court rulings.

Call for Compensation and Treatment

The petition further demands that all individuals injured by pellet guns during the police action on July 20 in New Delhi receive appropriate compensation, complete medical treatment, and arrangements for rehabilitation.