A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court of India seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control during law enforcement operations. This legal action was initiated by retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two individuals who reportedly sustained injuries from pellet guns during a protest on July 20, 2026. The petition calls for a prohibition on metallic or partially metallic kinetic projectiles fired from pump-action rifles and projectile-action guns (PAGs).

Details of the Alleged Incidents

The petition highlights the cases of Prashant Kumar, a 25-year-old artist, and Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, a 26-year-old individual involved in passport and visa-related activities. Kumar alleged that he was participating in the “Sansad Chalo” march as a peaceful protester when he was hit by pellets fired by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) without any provocation. Mansoori reported a similar experience, claiming he was struck by pellets in Connaught Place while not engaging in any aggressive or provocative behaviour.

According to the petitioners, both individuals sought compensation for their injuries, which they argued were sustained during excessive police action. The petitioners contend that the use of pellet guns poses a significant risk due to their unpredictable trajectory and classify them as an unsafe method of crowd control that is disproportionate to the situation.

The petition further calls for comprehensive medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation for victims affected by pellet gun injuries during the police action on July 20. The legal document asserts that the mechanism of pellet guns does not conform to the principle of using “the least amount of necessary force,” as their movement is erratic and can result in severe harm.

Context of the Protests

The July 20 protest was organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in response to allegations of examination paper leaks, drawing thousands of participants, mainly students. Protesters aimed to pressurise the government for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and to demand broader reforms in the examination system. The initiative followed weeks of protests and even hunger strikes at Jantar Mantar.

As demonstrators attempted to breach police barricades in central Delhi, security forces responded with tear gas and a lathi-charge. Videos circulated on social media reportedly showing police engaging physically with protesters during the clashes. These actions have been the subject of numerous complaints from individuals citing excessive police brutality against students participating in various demonstration activities across the country.

The Delhi Police defended their actions by stating that force was only necessary when sections of the crowd exhibited violent behaviour, including stone-pelting. Despite this assertion, the grievances raised in the petition reflect a growing concern over the methods used for crowd management and the rights of individuals during protests.

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