New Delhi, July 28: Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director Yashovardhan Azad, along with two victims injured by pellet guns, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control. The petitioners argue that using such weapons against peaceful protesters is not only inappropriate but also violates fundamental constitutional rights.
The petition requests the court to direct police and other law enforcement agencies to cease the use of pellet guns for crowd management. The petitioners contend that pellet guns can cause severe and permanent physical harm, making them unsuitable for crowd control.
The petition also references police actions during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, where several individuals were injured by pellets. The petitioners demand that all injured victims receive adequate compensation and that the government ensures their medical treatment.
It states that if a protest is peaceful, the use of pellet guns cannot be justified in any context. According to the petition, such actions do not align with the principles of necessity and proportionality, impacting citizens’ rights to life, safety, and the constitutional right to express themselves peacefully.
The petitioners further argue that there are alternative, less harmful measures available for crowd control. They highlight the risk of permanent injuries, particularly severe damage to the eyes, associated with the use of pellet guns.
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