News: The Supreme Court declined a blanket ban on pellet guns, holding that they may be used only in exceptional circumstances for crowd control.

Highlights

• 12-bore pump-action shotguns classified as less-lethal crowd-control weapons.
• Introduced → 2010 by the Union Government after unrest in Jammu & Kashmir.
• First Used → Sopore (J&K) by the Jammu & Kashmir Police, later adopted by CRPF and RAF.

Key Features

• Wide Dispersion → Each cartridge releases about 500 pellets over a wide area.
• Less-Lethal Weapon → Intended to disperse violent mobs without using live ammunition.
• Types of Pellets → Can use metallic (lead), rubber, or plastic pellets.
• Close-Range Risk → Can cause serious injuries despite being classified as less-lethal.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Last Resort → Used only after tear gas, water cannons, lathi charge, and PAVA shells fail.
• Graded Force → Prefer rubber/plastic pellets before metallic pellets.
• Aim Below Waist → To minimize fatal and eye injuries.
• Medical Aid → Immediate treatment for injured persons is mandatory.

Concerns

• High risk of blindness, ocular trauma, and permanent disability.
• Wide pellet spread may injure bystanders and peaceful protesters.
• Faces human rights criticism for indiscriminate impact and concerns under Article 21 (Right to Life & Personal Liberty).