- By Nidhi Giri
- Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:53 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- SC examines pellet gun use in July 20 CJP protests.
- Delhi Police to detail standing orders on graded force.
- SC allows pellet guns in exceptional situations, orders treatment.
Observing that it was ready to examine the use of pellet guns during Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police to put on record the standing order that provides for a graded use of force during crowd management cases.
The remarks came after the petitioners stated that the current standing orders do not permit the use of metallic pellet guns. The top court, however, questioned prayer seeking complete ban on use of metallic pellet guns to deal with law and order situations.
“Police are empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations,” remarked the apex court. It further directed the Delhi government to provide propert treatment to those who suffered pellet injuries.
CRPF Says SOPs, Anti-Riot Drills Were Followed
According to a CRPF post-event analysis, all standard operating procedures (SOPs) and anti-riot drills were followed during the July 20 police action against anti-NEET leak protesters. The report noted that the operation included authorised use of non-lethal measures, like pellet guns.
Force Gradient Followed In NEET Protest Action
An internal review by the CRPF confirmed that its specialised anti-riot unit, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), followed force gradient, according to a Times of India report citing sources.
The assessment revealed that pump-action guns were used only after lower-grade crowd-control measures, such as public announcement for crowd dispersal, tear gas, and a lathicharge, failed to disperse the crowd.
Meanwhile, the CRPF has identified the RAF personnel who allegedly fired pellet rounds during the Parliament march.
According to CRPF, the identified RAF jawan fired a total of seven rounds from a pellet gun during the protest. Of these, five struck protesters while two hit the ground.