Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Balances Non-Violence with Defensive Gear in Protests
The Supreme Court said police should be calm and not use violence when students protest.
They also said police should wear protective gear, not weapons that hurt people.
Some protestors were hurt by pellet guns used by the Rapid Action Force on July 20.
The court did not ban pellet guns outright but wants evidence that they were used unfairly.
It also asked Delhi police to keep records and give treatment to injured protestors.
Supreme Court ruled police must use non-violence in student protests but can use graded force if needed.
Court emphasized police should be equipped with defensive gear, not offensive weapons.
Petitioners alleged pellet guns fired by Rapid Action Force on July 20 injured protestors at Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place.
Court declined to impose blanket ban on pellet guns, asking for evidence of unconstitutional use.
Court directed Delhi government to preserve logs, CCTV footage, and provide treatment for injured protestors.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, including Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
- What
- Ruling on police conduct in student protests, especially use of pellet guns
- When
- July 30, 2026
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- To ensure non-violence while allowing police to respond to hijacked protests and protect human rights
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Decision Date
- July 30, 2026
- Key Issue
- Use of pellet guns in protests
- Police Gear
- Defensive gear recommended
- Petitioners
- Yashovardhan Azad, Prashant Kumar Singh, Shekh Irshad Mansoori