The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Government to provide proper medical treatment to all protesters who allegedly sustained pellet gun injuries during the recent demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The direction came while the Court was hearing a petition challenging the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies during the protest.
Supreme Court Directs Delhi Government to Ensure Medical Care for Jantar Mantar Protesters Injured by Pellet Guns
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also issued notice to the Central Government, seeking its response on the rules governing the deployment of pellet guns during crowd-control operations. The Court asked the authorities to place on record the standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidelines regulating the graded use of force by the police.
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Court Examines Whether Pellet Guns Were Used Appropriately
During the hearing, the petitioners argued that security personnel had used metallic pellets against protesters who were not part of a violent mob. They contended that such projectiles can cause serious injuries and should not be employed for crowd management.
The Bench observed that existing police regulations permit the use of pellet guns only in exceptional circumstances. However, the judges clarified that the Court would examine whether the deployment of pellet guns in the present case complied with the prescribed graded response framework rather than immediately declaring their use unlawful.
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Supreme Court Suggests Framing Clear Protocol
The Chief Justice indicated that instead of seeking an outright prohibition on pellet guns, the petitioners could request the Court to formulate clear guidelines governing their use during public demonstrations.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that while the judiciary strongly supports the principle that peaceful protesters should not face unnecessary violence, law enforcement authorities may, in certain exceptional situations, require a graduated use-of-force mechanism to restore order. The Court stressed that any such force must remain proportionate and consistent with established legal procedures.
Medical Treatment Ordered for Injured Protesters
Recognising the immediate concern regarding those allegedly injured during the protest, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Government to ensure adequate medical treatment for the petitioners as well as other similarly placed individuals who may have suffered pellet gun injuries.
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Background of the Case
The petitions arise from the police action during a protest held at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The petitioners have sought a ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for crowd control, claiming that such weapons are inherently indiscriminate and pose a serious risk of severe injuries. They have also sought compensation, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care for those allegedly injured during the incident.