Three petitioners, including former Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad and two people injured during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march in New Delhi, have moved the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of metallic pellet ammunition for crowd control.
The public interest litigation (PIL), filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks directions to prohibit the use of wholly or partly metallic pellets fired from pump-action rifles or projectile-action guns by law enforcement agencies while dispersing civilian gatherings. The petition also seeks compensation, medical treatment and rehabilitation for those injured during the protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
The respondents in the petition include the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Inspector General of the Rapid Action Force (RAF).
Petition alleges protesters were fired upon while retreating
According to the plea, the two injured petitioners were near Connaught Place at around 4.30 pm on July 20 when police pushed protesters towards the inner circle. The petition alleges that as demonstrators were retreating, many with their hands raised in surrender, RAF personnel opened fire using pump-action guns loaded with metallic pellets.
It claims the pellets struck the two petitioners, causing bleeding and serious injuries.The petition asks the Supreme Court to direct authorities to discontinue the use of such ammunition, arguing that metallic pellets are unsuitable for crowd control because of the risk of permanent injury.
Compensation and rehabilitation sought
Apart from seeking a ban, the petition requests exemplary compensation for all victims injured due to state action during the July 20 protest. It also seeks directions to ensure complete medical treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care for those affected.
One of the injured petitioners reportedly suffered pellet injuries to the face during the police action.
Protest and pellet gun use remain under scrutiny
The PIL comes amid continuing controversy over the use of pellet-firing weapons during the “Sansad Chalo” march. Several protesters and journalists had alleged they sustained pellet injuries during the police action.
The CRPF has previously said it was verifying reports regarding the alleged use of pellet guns during the protest.The Supreme Court is yet to hear the petition.
