Protest crackdown under scanner. Time to frame SOPs for pellet guns? Experts discuss

In this edition of News Today, the pellet-gun controversy has intensified calls for stricter rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing crowd control during peaceful protests in India. Opposition leaders led by Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation after the July 20 Jantar Mantar incident, while injured protester Irshad Mansuri alleged facial, neck and shoulder injuries caused by Rapid Action Force personnel. Former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur, senior advocate Vrinda Grover and former IPS officer Shashikant supported an independent judicial probe and a ban on pellet guns during peaceful demonstrations. Defending the police, former Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi argued that security forces must ensure Parliament’s safety. The debate has renewed scrutiny of proportional force, accountability and protest-management protocols nationwide.