- The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government to ensure that medical treatment is provided to the protestors at Jantar Mantar who suffered injuries from pellet guns used by police.
- The Court stated, "Government of Delhi shall provide medical treatment to the injured petitioner or other similarly placed individuals."
- The Supreme Court's interim order came while hearing a plea regarding the excessive use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force during protests on July 20.
- The petitioners, Singh and Mansoori, claimed they were victims of pellets fired by the RAF during the Sansad Chalo demonstration organized over the issue of exam paper leaks.
- The Court highlighted that the injury caused to civilians by pellets fired during the protests entitles them to a public law remedy of compensation.
The Supreme Court has mandated that the Delhi government ensure medical treatment for protestors injured by pellet guns during the Jantar Mantar demonstration. This decision follows allegations of excessive force used by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) against peaceful protestors.13
The court's interim order was issued while addressing a petition from individuals, including Sahil Lochab, a 19-year-old who suffered severe eye injuries. The petitioners argued that the use of pellet guns is an unreasonable and dangerous method for dispersing civilian assemblies, highlighting the unpredictable nature of pellet trajectories.
Justice Bagchi noted that police rules permit the use of such weapons only in exceptional circumstances, urging the establishment of a protocol for their deployment. The court emphasized that the injuries sustained by civilians during the Sansad Chalo march on July 20 warrant a public law remedy, including compensation.45
The petitioners, including Singh and Mansoori, reported being victims of the RAF's actions during the protest against exam paper leaks. The court's ruling reflects a growing concern over police conduct and the need for accountability in the use of force against demonstrators.
The RAF has initiated a verification process regarding the allegations of excessive force, with reports indicating that seven rounds of pellet guns were fired during the incident. The court's directive aims to ensure that injured individuals receive the necessary medical care and that such incidents are addressed appropriately.
“The Supreme Court's interim order follows allegations of excessive use of pellet guns by the Rapid Action Force during the July 20 protests, which left several civilians injured. The Court emphasized the need for a protocol regarding the use of such weapons against peaceful assemblies, highlighting the serious injuries sustained by protestors.”
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