Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Allows Pellet Guns in Exceptional Crowd‑Control Cases
The Supreme Court said that police can use pellet guns only in special situations, like when a crowd is dangerous.
It told the Delhi government to help people who were hurt by the pellets.
A former police officer asked the court to stop using these guns everywhere.
The court said it would look at each case of misuse.
A social media activist named Saurav Das wrote the word "Disgusting" after seeing the decision, and many people online reacted strongly.
Supreme Court ruled pellet guns cannot be banned outright but may be used in exceptional crowd‑control situations.
Court directed Delhi government to provide medical treatment to victims of pellet injuries from the July 20 protest.
Petitioners, led by former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, sought a nationwide ban on metallic pellets used by police.
Supreme Court asked Centre to preserve RAF ammunition logs and examine misuse on a case‑by‑case basis.
Social media activist Saurav Das reacted with a single‑word "Disgusting" to the judgment, sparking online outrage.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, petitioners Yashovardhan Azad and Vrinda Grover, Delhi government, activist Saurav Das
- What
- Decision on pellet gun use in protests, medical treatment for victims, request for ammunition logs
- When
- July 20 protest; Supreme Court hearing date not specified
- Where
- Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place
- Why
- To address concerns over misuse of pellet guns in student protests and clarify legal framework
- Supreme Court ruling
- Pellet guns allowed in exceptional circumstances
- Petitioners
- Yashovardhan Azad, Vrinda Grover
- Victims
- Prashant Kumar, Sheikh Irshad Mansoori
- Directive
- Delhi government to provide medical treatment
- Request
- Preserve RAF ammunition logs