Supreme Court Orders Preservation of RAF Ammunition Records in NEET Protest Case
The Court will examine the use of pellet guns during the July 20 student protest while directing authorities to preserve key evidence and provide medical care to those injured.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Central Government to preserve the ammunition records of the Rapid Action Force personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar during the July 20 student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad along with two protesters who alleged they suffered pellet injuries during the demonstration.
The petition seeks a nationwide prohibition on the use of wholly or partly metallic pellet ammunition fired from pump action or projectile guns for crowd control. It argues that such weapons are incompatible with constitutional standards governing the use of force against civilian gatherings.
During the hearing, the Bench questioned the plea seeking a complete ban on pellet guns, noting that the Bureau of Police Research and Development permits their use in exceptional circumstances. However, the Court said it was willing to closely examine the circumstances surrounding the use of pellet guns during the Cockroach Janta Party’s Sansad Chalo protest.
Taking note of submissions made by senior advocate Vrinda Grover, the Bench also directed the Delhi Government to ensure that those injured during the protest receive the best possible medical treatment.
The petition further seeks compensation and rehabilitation for the injured protesters.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the Central Government during the proceedings.