Supreme Court Panel to Investigate Pellet Gun Use in July Protests
A Supreme Court-appointed committee will focus on the use of pellet guns and harassment of female protesters during the July 20 Parliament march.
The investigation will prioritize incidents involving pellet guns and violence against female protesters.
A dedicated portal has been launched for affected individuals to submit complaints and information.
The inquiry follows reports of injuries and harassment during the NEET paper leak protests.
The Supreme Court has established a high-powered committee to investigate violent incidents that occurred during the NEET paper leak protests in July, particularly focusing on the events surrounding the July 20 march to Parliament. This committee will prioritize issues such as the use of pellet guns, targeted violence against female protesters, and the overall excessive violence that transpired during the protests.
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the formation of this committee, which aims to ensure that affected individuals, including police personnel, can easily report their experiences. A dedicated online portal has been launched to facilitate this process, allowing victims and witnesses to submit their complaints and representations securely.
According to the committee's statement, the investigation will adhere to the directives outlined in the Supreme Court's orders from August 18 and September 10, 2026. These orders specifically highlight the need to address the use of pellet guns and the harassment of women during the protests, which resulted in numerous injuries. Reports indicated that at least one protester was struck by a pellet gun, and subsequent accounts revealed that several others suffered similar injuries.
The implications of this inquiry extend beyond the immediate context of the protests. It raises significant questions about police conduct and the use of force during civil demonstrations in India. The opposition parties have been vocal in demanding accountability for the actions taken by law enforcement, particularly regarding the alleged sexual assaults on female protesters and the injuries sustained by many during the protests.
Looking ahead, the committee is expected to conduct thorough investigations and hearings, with the portal remaining open for submissions from affected individuals. The outcomes of this inquiry could influence future policies regarding crowd control and the treatment of protesters in India, as well as address the broader issues of civil rights and police accountability.
