New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Delhi government to provide medical treatment to all protesters injured during the July 20 demonstration in the national capital, including those who claim to have suffered pellet gun injuries.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana passed the order while hearing petitions challenging the police action during the Jantar Mantar protest. The court said the Delhi government must ensure proper medical assistance to the injured petitioners and others in similar circumstances.

As reported by Bar and Bench, the Bench observed, “Government of Delhi shall provide medical treatment to the injured petitioner or other similarly placed individuals.”

The direction came on a petition filed by former Intelligence Bureau Special Director and former Central Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad, who has sought a ban on the use of pellet guns and other metallic kinetic projectiles for crowd control. The plea also seeks compensation for those allegedly injured during the July 20 protest and urges the court to prohibit the use of pump-action rifles and similar weapons against civilians.

During the hearing, the Bench noted that pellet guns are currently permitted under existing police regulations in exceptional situations. The judges observed that unless the validity of those rules is challenged, the use of such equipment cannot be declared illegal merely through the present petition.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked that concerns over excessive force should be addressed by challenging the governing regulations. Chief Justice Surya Kant also suggested that the petitioners may seek judicial guidelines to regulate the use of pellet guns if there is evidence of misuse.

The court reiterated its earlier observation that while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, violence by demonstrators and disproportionate force by law enforcement are both unacceptable.

The issue has also sparked a political confrontation. The Centre has maintained that pellet guns were not used during the July 20 operation, stating that only tear gas was employed to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has alleged that protesters sustained pellet injuries and accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of authorising the use of force. The BJP has dismissed the allegations and demanded that Gandhi retract his remarks.

The Supreme Court continues to hear multiple petitions related to the July 20 protest, with its latest order placing immediate emphasis on ensuring medical treatment for those injured.