Supreme Court Directs Preservation of RAF Ammunition Logs in NEET Protest Case
The Supreme Court on Thursday (July 30, 2026) directed the central government to preserve the ammunition logs of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar during a student protest over the alleged leak of the NEET examination paper. The order came during a hearing of a petition seeking a complete ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for crowd control.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, questioned one of the prayers in the petition that called for an outright prohibition on such weapons. The court referred to an advisory from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), noting that police are empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations. However, it agreed to examine the deployment of pellet guns during the July 20 protest.
Senior advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the petitioners, argued that the use of metallic pellets causes severe injuries and violates constitutional rights. The court responded by asking the Delhi government to ensure the best medical treatment for those who sustained pellet injuries during the protest. It also indicated willingness to review protocols governing the use of pelleted ammunition to prevent excessive or arbitrary force.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that protests can sometimes be hijacked by elements seeking to undermine legitimate causes, forcing security forces to take appropriate action. “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,” he said. The court stressed the need for a balanced approach that protects both the right to peaceful protest and the safety of law enforcement personnel.
The petition was filed by former Central Information Commissioner and retired IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad, along with two individuals injured by pellet guns during the July 20 demonstration. It seeks a nationwide ban on wholly or partially metallic pellet ammunition fired from pump-action or projectile guns, arguing that such weapons are incompatible with constitutional standards governing the use of force. The petition also demands exemplary compensation and comprehensive medical care for all pellet injury victims.
The court has listed the matter for further hearing, while directing the Centre to preserve the RAF ammunition log for inspection. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of less-lethal weapons in law enforcement and the need for clear guidelines to prevent misuse.
