Source – thehindu.com<\/p>\n
When told that security forces\u2019 indiscriminate use of pellet guns against mobs in Jammu and Kashmir is creating a \u201cnation of blind people\u201d, the Supreme Court retorted by questioning the sense of humanity of the very people who form the mob and use children as cover while engaging security forces in pitched street battles.<\/p>\n
The court was reacting to arguments by the J&K High Court Bar Association, which has filed a public interest litigation petition for a ban on pellet guns.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut what are children aged seven, nine and 14 years doing in a mob? Why are they placed in front of the mobs who confront security forces,\u201d a Supreme Court Bench of Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and S.K. Kaul retorted on Monday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe age-group of those injured are from 13 to 20 and 20 to 24 years. Young students are the ones most injured,\u201d Justice Chandrachud said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout a 100 security personnel within the distance of two to three booths. Why do they do it on polling day? Election is a symbol of democracy,\u201d Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi submitted for the Center.<\/p>\n
Advice to Bar<\/p>\n
The Supreme Court advised the Bar Association against taking sides.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel we have an important role to play in this issue,\u201d Chief Justice Khehar said, while allowing the Association two weeks to file an affidavit.<\/p>\n