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PoliticsSupreme Court orders preservation of RAF ammunition log used in CJP protest
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The Supreme Court of India on July 30, 2026, directed the central government to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, against the NEET paper leak. The directive came during a hearing on a petition filed by former Central Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad and two pellet gun injury victims, seeking a nationwide ban on metallic pellet guns. The court noted that while police can use pellet guns in exceptional situations per BPRD guidelines, it is willing to examine the excessive use of force during the July 20 protests. The bench also ordered the Delhi government to provide the best medical treatment to those injured by pellets. Advocate Vrinda Grover argued that the petition specifically targets metallic kinetic pellets. The court observed that protests can be hijacked by elements, necessitating defensive measures for police, but emphasized the need for a protocol against arbitrary use of force.
Source report
Updated - July 30, 2026 12:24 pm IST New Delhi The Hindu Bureau
The Supreme Court on Thursday (July 30, 2026) directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar during the student protests against the NEET paper 'leak'.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana took note of the submissions made by senior advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared for the petitioners. The court also asked the Delhi government to provide the best medical treatment to those who suffered pellet injuries during the protest.
Key Observations by the Bench
- The court referred to the advisory of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), stating that police are empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations.
- The Bench indicated it was ready to examine the use of pellet guns during the July 20 protests called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
- Chief Justice Surya Kant orally observed that the court could consider framing a protocol against the excessive and arbitrary use of pellet guns by security forces on assemblies.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked:
“Cases of hijacking protests by elements to demolish the bona fide of a protest. In such cases forces have to take appropriate steps. The solution is to arm the police with defensive gear. They are also human beings. They need to be confident about their safety when facing mobs.”
The Petition
The plea, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, seeks:
- A nationwide ban on the use of wholly or partly metallic pellet ammunition fired from pump-action or projectile action guns for dispersing civilian assemblies.
- Exemplary compensation for all victims of pellet injuries caused by state action on July 20.
- Complete medical treatment, care, and rehabilitation for the aforementioned victims.
The petition was filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two victims of pellet gun injuries sustained during the recent NEET paper 'leak' protests in the national capital.
With PTI inputs
Published - July 30, 2026 12:21 pm IST
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Supreme Court orders preservation of RAF ammunition log used in CJP-led protest