Supreme Court panel launches portal for complaints on Jantar Mantar protest violence in July

The Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC), investigating allegations of violence during the July protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and other places, has launched an online portal to collect complaints, representations and evidence from affected people, according to a Home Ministry statement issued on Saturday.

The panel will give priority to complaints concerning the use of pellet guns, targeted violence and harassment of female protesters, and excessive use of force and damage to property, the statement said.

“The HPEC shall examine all issues enumerated in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order dated August 18, 2026, and paragraph 5(i) of the order dated September 10, 2026. Priority will be given to matters pertaining to the use of pellet guns, targeted violence and harassment of female protestors, and excessive violence and destruction of property occasioned on either side,” a government statement said.

Portal allows confidential complaints and evidence uploads

The portal, hpec.nic.in, has been designed to protect vulnerable witnesses and keep identities confidential for those who wish to remain anonymous.

“The Portal is designed in such a manner as to enable due protection to vulnerable witnesses and also to keep the identities confidential and undisclosed, if so wished by the affected persons. The affected persons and other stakeholders are encouraged to access the portal and upload their complaints/representations making use of the formats as applicable, “the statement said.

The portal provides four options for submissions: affected persons, including police personnel; complainants or witnesses seeking anonymity; people sharing other information confidentially; and those offering suggestions to the committee. Users can attach complaints, photographs, videos, injury records and medical reports. The form also asks whether the victim was sexually assaulted.

Complaints can also be submitted at the HPEC office at Shiksha Sadan, 17, Rouse Avenue Institutional Area, New Delhi, between 2 pm and 4 pm on working days. Submissions are accepted by post and email at hpec2026.enquiry@nic.in.

Pellet injuries reported during July protests

During the July protests, the CRPF's Rapid Action Force, operating under Delhi Police's command, allegedly fired pellets at demonstrators. At least four people, including students and a reporter, reportedly sustained pellet injuries, according to HT reports. Medical-legal case reports confirmed pellet wounds, while police and the CRPF have not commented on their use.

The use of pellet guns, previously controversial in Jammu and Kashmir because of injuries that caused loss of eyesight, has drawn criticism from Opposition parties, students and experts.

Supreme Court panel to examine use of force

The Supreme Court constituted the five-member committee on August 18, with former judge R Subhash Reddy as chairperson, to independently investigate allegations of violence during the July 20 student protests.

The inquiry will examine the use of pellet guns, crowd-control procedures, prohibitory orders, police surveillance and allegations that a provision of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was being used to stifle dissent. It will also look into allegations of violence against police personnel and damage to public property.