The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi government to ensure that every protester injured by pellet guns during the recent clashes at Jantar Mantar receives proper and timely medical treatment. The direction came during the hearing of petitions related to the police action during the CJP-led protest, where allegations of excessive force by security personnel have triggered nationwide debate.
Supreme Court Stresses Immediate Medical Assistance
A bench led by the Chief Justice observed that the immediate priority should be the health and recovery of those who sustained injuries during the protest. The court instructed the Delhi government to provide all necessary medical facilities without delay, ensuring that injured demonstrators receive appropriate treatment irrespective of the circumstances surrounding the protest.
The court’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over reports that several protesters suffered injuries allegedly caused by pellet guns during the police operation to disperse demonstrators at Jantar Mantar.
Court Seeks Preservation Of RAF Ammunition Records
Alongside medical directions, the Supreme Court ordered the Centre to preserve the ammunition log maintained by the Rapid Action Force (RAF), which was deployed during the protest. The court indicated that these records could play a crucial role in determining whether the use of force complied with established operational guidelines.
The bench also sought relevant documents related to the standard operating procedures governing the use of force by security personnel during public demonstrations.
Pellet Guns Under Judicial Scrutiny
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court observed that pellet guns cannot be prohibited entirely because they may be required in exceptional situations involving serious threats to law and order. However, the judges made it clear that such weapons should only be used under extraordinary circumstances and strictly in accordance with prescribed rules.
The observations came while hearing petitions questioning the deployment of pellet guns during the crowd-control operation at Jantar Mantar.
The court’s remarks suggest that while the legal framework permits the use of pellet guns, authorities must demonstrate that every such decision meets the standards of necessity, proportionality and accountability.
Petitions Raise Concerns Over Excessive Force
The case before the apex court includes petitions filed by individuals seeking an investigation into the alleged use of excessive force against protesters. The pleas argue that pellet guns can inflict serious injuries and demand accountability for their deployment during civilian demonstrations.
Petitioners have also sought compensation for those injured and have questioned whether less harmful crowd-control measures could have been used during the operation.
Focus On Transparency And Accountability
By directing the preservation of ammunition records, the Supreme Court has underlined the importance of maintaining transparency in policing operations. The ammunition log is expected to reveal the type and quantity of crowd-control ammunition used during the incident, helping the court assess whether operational protocols were followed.
The bench also emphasized that official records should remain intact until the judicial examination is complete.
Medical Treatment Takes Priority
Although legal questions surrounding the use of pellet guns remain under consideration, the court stressed that the immediate concern is ensuring proper healthcare for those who sustained injuries.
Hospitals and medical authorities have been asked to provide the required treatment so that victims do not suffer because of delays or administrative hurdles. The direction is aimed at ensuring that injured protesters receive timely medical attention while the legal process continues.
Case Likely To Shape Crowd-Control Guidelines
The ongoing proceedings are expected to have wider implications for policing standards during public protests. The Supreme Court’s examination of ammunition records, operational procedures and the circumstances under which pellet guns were used could influence future guidelines governing crowd-control methods.
Legal experts believe the final outcome may help establish clearer standards balancing the state’s responsibility to maintain public order with citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the Centre and concerned authorities submit the records sought by the court. Until then, the directions regarding preservation of evidence and medical treatment remain in force.
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