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ConflictPetition in Supreme Court seeks ban on pellet guns
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A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India by retired Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad and two victims of pellet gun injuries, demanding a ban on the use of metallic pellets fired from pump-action rifles for crowd dispersal. The petition also seeks exemplary compensation and full medical care for all victims injured by state action during a protest on July 20 in Connaught Place, New Delhi. According to the petition, around 4:30 p.m. on that day, RAF personnel fired pump-action guns at fleeing protesters who had their arms raised in surrender, causing pellet injuries to the two petitioners. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of pellet guns in civilian crowd control and the need for accountability and rehabilitation for victims.
Source report
A retired IB Special Director and victims seek Supreme Court intervention to ban pellet guns and ensure compensation for injuries caused by state action on July 20 protest
Published - July 27, 2026 09:41 pm IST By Vijaita Singh
Retired Intelligence Bureau Special Director Yashovardhan Azad, along with two other victims of pellet gun injuries — an artist and another professional — has moved the Supreme Court to demand the decommissioning or banning of the use of wholly or partly metallic kinetic projectiles or pellets fired from pump-action rifles or projectile-action guns (PAG) for crowd dispersal of civilian assemblies by law enforcement agencies.
The petitioners are also seeking:
- The grant of exemplary compensation to all victims of pellet injuries caused by state action on July 20
- Ensuring complete medical treatment, care, and rehabilitation for the aforementioned victims
According to the petition, around 4:30 p.m. on July 20, the two injured petitioners saw the crowd being pushed towards the inner circle of Connaught Place. While the protesters were fleeing, with many raising their arms as if in "surrender" mode, despite no provocation, RAF personnel suddenly fired pump-action gun(s), releasing a wide spray of splinter-like pellets that penetrated the bodies of petitioners Nos. 2 and 3, causing immediate pain and bleeding.
Related: Are pellet guns legal for crowd control in India? | Explained
Source
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Regional
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