The High Court (HC) on Sunday rejected a writ filed to prevent use of lethal rounds by law enforcers on student protesters, but observed that the police can fire live rounds only for saving lives and have to follow a number of pre-emptive steps in this regard.

In the writ filed on 29 July, the petitioners Supreme Court lawyers Aynunnahar Siddiqua and Manzur-Al-Matin also sought the release of six key coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement from DB custody. The six coordinators were released Thursday.

The HC bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon ruled on the writ on Sunday.

The judges observed that it is essential for the police force to respect the constitutional rights of citizens when perform their duties and uphold the human rights of all people.

The law enforcement authorities must not discriminate against any group or individual during peaceful assemblies.

They should be held accountable for any failure to uphold the rights of people.

When any offence is committed to disturb public order, by means of riots and unlawful assemblies, the police can first use rubber bullets, tear shells and then resort to using live rounds.

The police must follow other provisions in the procedural laws, penal codes and constitution, in addressing turbulent situations, the HC bench noted.