📷 Image: TOI India (via NewsData)
Politics
Chief Justice Criticizes Supreme Court Over Use of Pellet Guns on Protesters
✍️ TOI India
🗓 30 Jul 2026, 11:40 PM
👁 3
The Chief Justice of India has publicly condemned the Supreme Court for permitting the use of pellet guns against peaceful protesters, questioning the legality and ethics of such measures.
The Chief Justice of India, in a rare public statement, criticized the Supreme Court for its stance on the use of pellet guns against peaceful protesters. He questioned whether such measures could ever be justified, citing concerns over human rights and the rule of law.
The controversy stems from recent incidents where pellet guns were deployed during protests, leading to injuries and widespread criticism from civil society. The Supreme Court had previously upheld the use of these weapons under certain conditions, a decision that the Chief Justice now finds untenable.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice emphasized that the judiciary must safeguard democratic freedoms and ensure that law enforcement tools do not infringe on the rights of citizens. He called for a review of the existing guidelines and urged the Court to adopt a more humane approach.
The statement has sparked debate among legal experts, police officials, and protest organizers, who are now calling for clearer regulations and accountability. The Supreme Court is expected to respond to the Chief Justice’s critique in an upcoming session.
The incident highlights the tension between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties, a balance that remains a central challenge for India’s democratic institutions.
The controversy stems from recent incidents where pellet guns were deployed during protests, leading to injuries and widespread criticism from civil society. The Supreme Court had previously upheld the use of these weapons under certain conditions, a decision that the Chief Justice now finds untenable.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice emphasized that the judiciary must safeguard democratic freedoms and ensure that law enforcement tools do not infringe on the rights of citizens. He called for a review of the existing guidelines and urged the Court to adopt a more humane approach.
The statement has sparked debate among legal experts, police officials, and protest organizers, who are now calling for clearer regulations and accountability. The Supreme Court is expected to respond to the Chief Justice’s critique in an upcoming session.
The incident highlights the tension between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties, a balance that remains a central challenge for India’s democratic institutions.