High Court Rules Against Use of Licensed Firearms for Celebratory Firing
Court Ruling on Licensed Firearms
Prayagraj, August 3 - The Allahabad High Court has ruled that licensed firearms cannot be used for celebratory firing during weddings or religious events. The court emphasized that it is the responsibility of every license holder to maintain accurate records of the ammunition purchased and used. This statement was made by Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery while dismissing the petition of Akhilesh Kumar.
The petitioner had challenged the order that revoked his firearm license due to his failure to account for 767 cartridges. In its decision on July 29, the court stated that a firearm license is a privilege that depends on strict adherence to legal requirements and the conditions of the license. The court upheld the orders of the licensing authority and the appellate authority.
The court remarked, 'A firearm license is a privilege granted with the expectation that the licensee will comply with all its conditions.' According to the case details, the petitioner was issued a firearm license in 2000. During an inspection in 2019, officials requested details of the cartridges purchased and used. The petitioner claimed to have bought 857 cartridges over the years but could only present 57 cartridges and 33 empty shells.
He argued that the remaining 767 cartridges were used for shooting practice and during religious events such as weddings, Chhath Puja, and Durga Puja. Unsatisfied with this explanation, the licensing authority revoked his license under Section 17 of the Arms Act. The petitioner then approached the High Court against this decision.
The petitioner contended that maintaining records of used cartridges was not mandatory at the time the license was issued in 2000. The court rejected this argument, stating that the provisions of the Arms Act clearly indicate that regulatory conditions are an integral part of the license and must be followed. The court concluded, 'The petitioner was not permitted to use the licensed firearm for celebratory firing. Such use of weapons during weddings and religious events is not in accordance with the law.'