The Allahabad High Court has delivered a crucial ruling regarding arms licenses, underscoring that owning a licensed firearm is a privilege rather than an absolute right. The court firmly stated that licensed weapons cannot be fired in celebration during weddings or religious gatherings, establishing that maintaining a complete record of purchased and used ammunition is an indispensable obligation for every license holder.
Unaccounted Ammunition Led to License Cancellation
The matter originated in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where local administrative authorities revoked the arms license belonging to petitioner Akhilesh Kumar. Official records revealed that out of 857 total cartridges purchased under his name, Kumar failed to provide any account or breakdown for 757 spent bullets. Aggrieved by the administrative order stripping him of his firearm license, he filed a petition challenging the revocation in the High Court.
Single Judge Bench Dismisses Plea
Presiding over the case, a single judge bench of Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamsheri rejected Akhilesh Kumar's petition, upholding the administrative decision to cancel the arms permit. The bench asserted that maintaining a meticulous tally of all acquired and deployed rounds is a primary responsibility resting upon the licensee. Losing track of such a massive quantity of ammunition constitutes a clear breach of licensing guidelines.
Celebratory Firing Deemed Violation of License Terms
The High Court reiterated that discharging firearms to express joy at marriages or cultural festivals is strictly prohibited. The court warned that indulging in celebratory firing directly violates the core conditions attached to an arms license, granting authorities full justification to take punitive measures and cancel the offender's permit.
