Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Says Pellet Guns Cannot Be Banned Yet
The Supreme Court said that police can keep using pellet guns for crowd control if the rules say so.
The court looked at a complaint about metal pellet guns used in a student protest on July 20.
It said the request to ban them was too vague, but it will check if they were used properly in each case.
The court asked the government to keep a log of the ammunition used by the Rapid Action Force.
It also told the Delhi government to give medical help to people hurt by the pellets.
Supreme Court ruled pellet guns cannot be banned as long as advisory permits use for crowd control in exceptional circumstances.
Court noted a plea about metallic pellet gun use during July 20 student protests and asked the Centre to preserve the Rapid Action Force ammunition log.
Justice Bagchi said the ban request was vague; use of pellet guns is allowed under police regulations, but constitutionality could be challenged under Article 21.
Court will examine misuse on a case‑by‑case basis and asked Delhi government to provide medical treatment to injured protesters.
Court issued notices to the Centre and RAF inspector‑general, directing preservation of logs pending resolution.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice V. Mohana, senior advocate Vrinda Grover, former IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, victims Prashant Kumar Singh and Irshad Mansoori
- What
- Ruling that pellet guns cannot be banned while advisory permits use, with case‑by‑case review of misuse
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- New Delhi, Jantar Mantar
- Why
- To address injuries from pellet guns during student protests while respecting police regulations
- Court ruling
- Pellet guns cannot be banned as long as advisory permits use
- Date
- Thursday
- Location
- New Delhi
- Key Justices
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice V. Mohana
- Victims
- Prashant Kumar Singh, Irshad Mansoori
- Agency involved
- Rapid Action Force
- Regulatory body
- Bureau of Police Research and Development
