Pellet guns at CJP Protest: SC says graded response required in some cases, directs Delhi govt to provide treatment

Published 30 July 2026 · local

The Supreme Court said on Thursday it is ready to examine the alleged use of pellet guns during the 'Sansad Chalo' march led by the

The Supreme Court said on Thursday it is ready to examine the alleged use of pellet guns during the 'Sansad Chalo' march led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on July 20 to protest the NEET paper leak issue. According to Bar and Bench, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the Delhi government to provide medical treatment to the injured petitioner or other similarly placed individuals. The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by two persons who allegedly suffered pellet injuries during the student protests. E IPS Yashovardhan Azad is the third petitioner. According to Live Law, the petition sought a ban on the use of pellet guns against civilians and compensation for victims. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What did the Supreme Court say about the use of pellet guns during the CJP protest? ⌵ The Supreme Court indicated it would examine the alleged use of pellet guns during the Cockroach Janata Party protest, noting that rules allow their use in exceptional circumstances. 2 Why did the Supreme Court direct the Delhi government regarding the injured protesters? ⌵ The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to provide medical treatment to injured petitioners, highlighting concerns over the use of pellet guns during the protests. 3 How did the Supreme Court respond to the petition seeking a complete ban on pellet guns? ⌵ The Supreme Court questioned the petition's vagueness and noted that police regulations permit the use of pellet guns in exceptional cases, implying that the rules themselves must be challenged.

4 Should the use of pellet guns against civilians be banned according to the Supreme Court's discussion? ⌵ While the court acknowledged the need to examine individual cases of pellet use, it highlighted that the current regulations permit such actions under specific circumstances. 5 What evidence emerged regarding the use of pellet guns during the July 20 protest? ⌵ Reports and accounts from injured individuals indicated the firing of metallic pellets during the protest, contradicting police claims of no pellet gun usage. During the hearing, the Supreme Court questioned the prayer seeking a complete ban on the use of metallic pellet guns to deal with law and order situations. ‘Rules allow use of pellet guns in exceptional circumstances’ As per Bar and Bench, Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that “police rules allow the use [of pellet guns] in exceptional circumstances unless you challenge the rules itself…one of the steps of the graded approach is the use of pellet guns.” Calling the “prayer” vague, Justice Joymalya Bagchi was quoted by Live Law as saying, “Prayers are not to use pellet guns. Police regulations permit in exceptional cases. You have to challenge as ultra vires...” The advocate, appearing for the petitioner, said nature of the crowd will determine the use of the pellets. “…there can be rubber, plastic and metallic pellets. These were metallic and recovered from the bodies. Nature of the crowd will determine the use of this as well.