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THE ARMS ACT, 1959
ACT NO. 54 OF 1959
[23rd December, 1959.]
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to arms and
ammunition.
CHAP
PRELIMINARY
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
1.
Short title, extent and commencement.
1. Short title, extent and commencement.- (1) This Act may be
called the Arms Act, 1959.
(2) It extends to the whole of India.
(3) It shall come into force on such date 1* as the Central
Government may, by notification in the Official Gezette, appoint.
2.
Definition and interpretation.
2. Definition and interpretation.- (1) In this Act, unless the
context otherwise requires,--
(a) "acquisition", with its grammatical variations and
cognate expressions, includes hiring, borrowing, or
accepting as a gift;
(b) "ammunition" means ammunition for any firearm, and
includes--
(i) rockets, bombs, grenades, shells [and
other missiles] 2*
(ii) articles, designed for torpedo service
and submarine mining,
(iii) other articles containing, or designed
or adapted to contain, explosive, fulminating or
fissionable material or noxious liquid, gas or
other such thing, whether capable of use with
firearms or not,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 1st October, 1962, vide Notification No. G.S.R. 992, dated 13-7-
1962, see Gazette of India, Pt. II, Sec. 3(i), p. 1092.
This Act has been extended to--
Goa, Daman and Diu with modifications by Reg. 12 of 1962, s. 3
and Sch.; and comes into force in Pondicherry vide Reg. 7 of
1963, s.
3 and Sch. I (w.e.f. 1-10-1963);
and brought into force in Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6 of
1963, s. 2 and Sch. I (w.e.f. 1-7-1965);
Sikim vide Notification No. G.S.R. 461 (E), dated 21-7-1976
(w.e.f. 1-8-1976).
2. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, s. 2, for " and other like missiles"
(w.e.f. 27-5-1988).
34
(iv) charges for firearms and accessories for
such charges,
(v) fuses and friction tubes,
(vi) parts of, and machinery for
manufacturing ammunition, and
(vii) such ingredients of ammunition as the
Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, specify in this behalf;
(c) "arms" means articles of any description designed or
adapted as weapons for offence or defence, and includes
firearms, sharpedged and other deadly weapons, and
parts of, and machinery for manufacturing, arms, but
does not include articles designed solely for domestic
or agricultural uses such as a lathi or an ordinary
walking stick and weapons incapable of being used
otherwise than as toys or of being converted into
serviceable weapons;
1*[(d) "district magistrate", in relation to any area for
which a Commissioner of Police has been appointed,
means the Commissioner of Police thereof and includes
any such Deputy Commissioner of Police, exercising
jurisdiction over the whole or any part of such area,
as may be specified by the State Government in this
behalf in relation to such area or part;]
(e) "firearms" means arms of any description designed or
adapted to discharge a projectile or projectiles of any
kind by the action of any explosive or other forms of
energy, and includes--
(i) artillery, hand-grenades, riot-pistols or
weapons of any kind designed or adapted for the
discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other such
thing,
(ii) accessories for any such firearm
designed or adapted to diminish the noise or flash
caused by the firing thereof,
(iii) parts of, and machinery for
manufacturing, firearms, and
(iv) carriages, platforms and appliances for
mounting, transporting and serving artillery.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 55 of 1971, s. 2, for the former cl. (d) (w.e.f. 13-
12-1971).
34A
(f) "licensing authority" means an officer or authority
empowered to grant or renew licences under rules made
under this Act, and includes the Government;
1*[(ff) "magistrate" means an Executive Magistrate under the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974);]
(g) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this
Act,
(h) "prohibited ammunition" means any ammunition containing
or designed or adapted to contain, any noxious liquid,
gas or other such thing, and includes rockets, bombs,
grenades, shells, 2*[missiles] articles designed for
torpedo service and submarine mining and such other
articles as the Central Government may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, specify to be prohibited
ammunition;
(i) "prohibited arms" means--
(i) firearms so designed or adapted that, if
pressure is applied to the trigger, missiles
continue to be dis-
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 2 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1988, s. 2 (w.e.f. 27-5-1988).
35
charged until pressure is removed from the trigger
or the magazine containing the missiles is empty,
or
(ii) weapons of any description designed or
adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid,
gas or other such thing,
and includes artillery, anti-aircraft and anti-tank firearms and such
other arms as the Central Government may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, specify to be prohibited arms;
(j) "public servant" has the same meaning as in section 21
of the Indian Penal Code; (45 of 1860.)
(k) "transfer", with its grammatical variations and cognate
expressions, includes letting on hire, lending, giving
and parting with possession.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the length of the barrel of a
firearm shall be measured from the muzzle to the point at which the
charge is exploded on firing.
(3) Any reference in this Act to any law which is not in force in
any area shall, in relation to that area, be construed as a reference
to the corresponding law, if any, in force in that area.
(4) Any reference in this Act to any officer or authority shall,
in relation to any area in which there is no officer or authority with
the same designation, be construed as a reference to such officer or
authority as may be specified by the Central Government by
notification in the Official Gazette.
CHAP
ACQUISITION, POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, SALE, IMPORT, EXPORT
ANDTRANSPORT
OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION
CHAPTER II
ACQUISITION, POSSESSION, MANUFACTURE, SALE, IMPORT, EXPORT AND
TRANSPORT OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION
3.
Licence for acquisition and possession of fire-arms and ammunition.
3. Licence for acquisition and possession of fire-arms and
ammunition.-1*[(1) No person shall acquire, have in his possession, or
carry any firearm or ammunition unless he holds in this behalf a
licence issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the
rules made thereunder:
Provided that a person may, without himself holding a licence,
carry any firearm or ammunition in the presence, or under the written
authority, of the holder of the licence for repair or for renewal of
the licence or for use by such holder.
2*[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), no
person, other than a person referred to in sub-section (3), shall
acquire, have in his possession or carry, at any time, more than three
firearms:
Provided that a person who has in his possession more firearms
than three at the commencement of the Arms (Amendment) Act, 1983, may
retain with him any three of such firearms and shall deposit, within
ninety days from such commencement, the remaining firearms with the
officer in charge of the nearest police station or, subject to the
conditions prescribed for the purposes of sub-section (1) of section
21, with a licensed dealer or, where such person is a member of the
armed forces of the Union, in a unit armoury referred to in that sub-
section.
(3) Nothing contained in sub-section (2) shall apply to any
dealer in firearms or to any member of a rifle club or rifle
association licensed or recognised by the Central Government using a
point 22 bore rifle or an air rifle for target practice.
(4) The provisions of sub-sections (2) to (6) (both inclusive) of
section 21 shall apply in relation to any deposit of firearms under
the proviso to sub-section (2) as they apply in relation to the
deposit of any arm or ammunition under sub-section (1) of that
section."]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. S. 3 renumbered as sub-section (1) by Act 25 of 1983, s. 3
(w.e.f.
22-6-83).
2. Ins. by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
36
4.
Licence for acquisition and possession of arms of
specifieddescription in certain cases.
4. Licence for acquisition and possession of arms of specified
description in certain cases.- If the Central Government is of opinion
that having regard to the circumstances prevailing in any area it is
necessary or expedient in the public interest that the acquisition,
possession or carrying of arms other than firearms should also be
regulated, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct
that this section shall apply to the area specified in the
notification, and thereupon no person shall acquire, have in his
possession or carry in that area arms of such class or description as
may be specified in that notification unless he holds in this behalf a
licence issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the
rules made thereunder.
5.
Licence for manufacture, sale, etc., of arms and ammunition.
5. Licence for manufacture, sale, etc., of arms and ammunition.
1*[(1)] No person shall--
(a) 2*[use, manufacture] sell, transfer, convert, repair,
test or prove, or
(b) expose or offer for sale or transfer or have in his
possession for sale, transfer, conversion, repair, test
or proof,
any firearm or any other arms of such class or description as may be
prescribed or any ammunition, unless he holds in this behalf a licence
issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules
made thereunder:
3* * * * *
4*[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) a
person may, without holding a licence in this behalf, sell or transfer
any arms or ammunition which he lawfully possesses for his own private
use to another person who is entitled by virtue of this Act or any
other law for the time being in force to have, or is not prohibited by
this Act or such other law from having in his possession such arms or
ammunition:
Provided that no firearm or ammunition in respect of which a
licence is required under section 3 and no arms in respect of which a
licence is required under section 4 shall be so sold or transferred by
any person unless--
(a) he has informed in writing the district magistrate
having jurisdiction or the officer in charge of the nearest
police station of his intention to sell or transfer such
firearms, ammunition or other arms and the name and address of
the person to whom he intends to sell or transfer such firearms,
ammunition or the other arms, and
(b) a period of not less than forty-five days has expired
after the giving of such information.]
6.
Licence for the shortening of guns or conversion of imitation
firearmsinto
firearms.
6. Licence for the shortening of guns or conversion of imitation
firearms into firearms.- No person shall shorten the barrel of a
firearm or convert an imitation firearm into a firearm unless he holds
in this behalf a licence issued in accordance with the provisions of
this Act and the rules made thereunder.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. S. 5 renumbered as sub-section (1) by Act 25 of 1983, s. 4
(w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, s. 3, for "manufaacture" (w.e.f.
27-5-1988).
3. The proviso omitted by Act 25 of 1983, s. 4 (w.e.f. 22-6-83).
4. Ins. by s.4, ibid. (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
37
Explanation.--In this section, the expression "imitation firearm"
means anything which has the appearance of being a firearm, whether it
is capable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile or not.
7.
Prohibition of acquisition or possession, or of manufacture or sale,of
prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition.
7. Prohibition of acquisition or possession, or of manufacture or
sale, of prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition. No person shall--
(a) acquire, have in his possession or carry; or
(b) 2*[use, manufacture] sell, transfer, convert, repair,
test or prove; or
(c) expose or offer for sale or transfer or have in his
possession for sale, transfer, conversion, repair, test
or proof;
any prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition unless he has been
specially authorised by the Central Government in this behalf.
8.
Prohibition of sale or transfer of firearms not bearing
identificationmarks.
8. Prohibition of sale or transfer of firearms not bearing
identification marks.-(1) No person shall obliterate, remove, alter or
forge any name, number or other identification mark stamped or
otherwise shown on a firearm.
(2) No person shall sell or transfer any firearm which does not
bear the name of the maker, manufacturer's number or other
identification mark stamped or otherwise shown thereon in a manner
approved by the Central Government.
(3) Whenever any person has in his possession any firearm without
such name, number or other identification mark or on which such name,
number or other identification mark has been obliterated, removed,
altered or forged, it shall be presumed unless the contrary is proved,
that he has obliterated, removed, altered or forged that name, number
or other identification mark:
Provided that in relation to a person who has in his possession
at the commencement of this Act any firearm without such name, number
or other identification mark stamped or otherwise shown thereon, the
provisions of this sub-section shall not take effect until after the
expiration of one year from such commencement.
9.
Prohibition of acquisition or possession by, or of sale or transferto,
young
persons and certain other persons of firearms, etc.
9. Prohibition of acquisition or possession by, or of sale or
transfer to, young persons and certain other persons of firearms,
etc.-
(1) Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Act,-
-
(a) no person,--
(i) who has not completed the age of 2*[twenty-one
years], or
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, s. 4, for "maanufacture" (w.e.f.
27-5-1988).
2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 5, for "seventeen yeay" (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
38
(ii) who has been sentenced on conviction of any
offence involving violence or moral turpitude to
imprisonment for 1*[any term], at any time during
a period of five years after the expiration of the
sentence, or
(iii) who has been ordered to execute under Chapter
VIII of the 1*[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
(2 of 1974),] a bond for keeping the peace or for
good behaviour, at any time during the term of
the bond,
shall acquire, have in his possession or carry any firearm or
ammunition;
(b) no person shall sell or transfer any firearm or
ammunition to, or convert, repair, test or prove any
firearm or ammunition for, any other person whom he
knows, or has reason to believe--
(i) to be prohibited under clause (a) from acquiring,
having in his possession or carrying any firearm
or ammunition, or
(ii) to be of unsound mind at the time of such sale or
transfer, or such conversion, repair, test or
proof.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of
sub-section (1), a person who has attained the prescribed age-limit
may use under prescribed conditions such firearms as may be prescribed
in the course of his training in the use of such firearms:
Provided that different age-limits may be prescribed in relation
to different types of firearms.
10.
Licence for import and export of arms, etc.
10. Licence for import and export of arms, etc.-(1) No person
shall bring into, or take out of, India by sea, land or air any arms
or ammunition unless he holds in this behalf a licence issued in
accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made
thereunder:
Provided that--
(a) a person who is entitled by virtue of this Act or any
other law for the time being in force to have, or is
not prohibited by this Act or such other law from
having, in his possession any arms or ammunition, may
without a licence in this behalf bring into, or take
out of, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 5, for certain words (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
39
such arms or ammunition in reasonable quantities for
his own private use;
(b) a person being a bona fide tourist belonging to any such
country as the Central Government may, by notification
in the Official Gazette, specify, who is not prohibited
by the laws of that country from having in his
possession any arms or ammunition, may, without a
licence under this section but in accordance with such
conditions as may be prescribed, bring with him into
India arms and ammunition in reasonable quantities for
use by him for purposes only of sport and for no other
purpose;
Explanation.--For purposes of clause (b) of this
proviso, the word "tourist" means a person who not being a
citizen of India visits India for a period not exceeding six
months with no other object than recreation, sight-seeing,
or participation in a representative capacity in meetings
convened by the Central Government or in international
conferences, associations or other bodies.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the proviso to sub-
section (1), where the collector of customs or any other officer
empowered by the Central Government in this behalf has any doubt as to
the applicability of clause (a) or clause (b) of that proviso to any
person who claims that such clause is applicable to him, or as to the
reasonableness of the quantities of arms or ammunition in the
possession of any person referred to in such clause, or as to the use
to which such arms or ammunition may be put by such person, may detain
the arms or ammunition in the possession of such person until he
receives the orders of the Central Government in relation thereto.
(3) Arms and ammunition taken from one part of India to another
by sea or air or across any intervening territory not forming part of
India, are taken out of, and brought into, India within the meaning of
this section.
11.
Power to prohibit import or export of arms, etc.
11. Power to prohibit import or export of arms, etc.- The Central
Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, prohibit the
bringing into, or the taking out of, India, arms or ammunition of such
classes and descriptions as may be specified in the notification.
40
12.
Power to restrict or prohibit transport of arms.
12. Power to restrict or prohibit transport of arms.- (1) The
Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,--
(a) direct that no person shall transport over India or any
part thereof arms or ammunition of such classes and
descriptions as may be specified in the notification
unless he holds in this behalf a licence issued in
accordance with the provisions of this Act and the
rules made there-under; or
(b) prohibit such transport altogether.
(2) Arms or ammunition trans-shipped at a seaport or an airport
in India are transported within the meaning of this section.
CHAP
PROVISIONS RELATING TO LICENCES
CHAPTER III
PROVISIONS RELATING TO LICENCES
13.
Grant of licences.
13. Grant of licences.- (1) An application for the grant of a
licence under Chapter II shall be made to the licensing authority and
shall be in such form, contain such particulars and be accompanied by
such fee, if any, as may be prescribed.
1*[(2) On receipt of an application, the licensing authority
shall call for the report of the officer in charge of the nearest
police station on that application, and such officer shall send his
report within the prescribed time.
(2A) The licensing authority, after such inquiry, if any, as it
may consider necessary, and after considering the report received
under sub-section (2), shall, subject to the other provisions of this
Chapter, by order in writing either grant the licence or refuse to
grant the same:
Provided that where the officer in charge of the nearest police
station does not send his report on the application within the
prescribed time, the licensing authority may, if it deems fit, make
such order, after the expiry of the prescribed time, without further
waiting for that report.]
(3) The licensing authority shall grant--
(a) a licence under section 3 where the licence is required-
-
(i) by a citizen of India in respect of a
smooth bore gun having a barrel of not less than
twenty inches in length to be used for protection
or sport or in respect of a muzzle loading gun to
be used for bona fide crop protection:
Provided that where having regard to the
circumstances of any case, the licensing authority
is satisfied that a muzzle loading gun will not be
sufficient for crop protection, the licensing
authority may grant a licence in respect of any
other smooth bore gun as aforesaid for such
protection, or
(ii) in respect of a point 22 bore rifle or
an air rifle to be used for target practice by a
member of a rifle
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 6, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
41
club or rifle association licensed or recognised
by the Central Government;
(b) a licence under section 3 in any other case or a licence
under section 4, section 5, section 6, section 10 or
section 12, if the licensing authority is satisfied
that the person by whom the licence is required has a
good reason for obtaining the same.
14.
Refusal of licences.
14. Refusal of licences.-(1) Notwithstanding anything in section
13, the licensing authority shall refuse to grant--
(a) a licence under section 3, section 4 or section 5 where
such licence is required in respect of any prohibited
arms or prohibited ammunition;
(b) a licence in any other case under Chapter II,--
(i) where such licence is required by a person whom the
licensing authority has reason to believe--
(1) to be prohibited by this Act or by any other law for the
time being in force from acquiring, having in his
possession or carrying any arms or ammunition, or
(2) to be of unsound mind, or
(3) to be for any reason unfit for a licence under this Act;
or
(ii) where the licensing authority deems it necessary for
the security of the public peace or for public safety
to refuse to grant such licence.
(2) The licensing authority shall not refuse to grant any licence
to any person merely on the ground that such person does not own or
possess sufficient property.
(3) Where the licensing authority refuses to grant a licence to
any person it shall record in writing the reasons for such refusal and
furnish to that person on demand a brief statement of the same unless
in any case the licensing authority is of the opinion that it will not
be in the public interest to furnish such statement.
15.
Duration and renewal of licence.
15. Duration and renewal of licence.-(1) A licence under section
3 shall, unless revoked earlier, continue in force for a period of
three years from the date on which it is granted:
Provided that such a licence may be granted for a shorter period
if the person by whom the licence is required so desires or if the
42
licensing authority for reasons to be recorded in writing considers in
any case that the licence should be granted for a shorter period.
(2) A licence under any other provision of Chapter II shall,
unless revoked earlier, continue in force for such period from the
date on which it is granted as the licensing authority may in each
case determine.
(3) Every licence shall, unless the licensing authority for
reasons to be recorded in writing otherwise decides in any case, be
renewable for the same period for which the licence was originally
granted and shall be so renewable from time to time, and the
provisions of sections 13 and 14 shall apply to the renewal of a
licence as they apply to the grant thereof.
16.
Fees, etc., for licence.
16. Fees, etc., for licence.- The fees on payment of which, the
conditions subject to which and the form in which a licence shall be
granted or renewed shall be such as may be prescribed:
Provided that different fees, different conditions and different
forms may be prescribed for different types of licences:
Provided further that a licence may contain in addition to
prescribed conditions such other conditions as may be considered
necessary by the licensing authority in any particular case.
17.
Variation, suspension and revocation of licences.
17. Variation, suspension and revocation of licences.- (1) The
licensing authority may vary the conditions subject to which a licence
has been granted except such of them as have been prescribed and may
for that purpose require the licence-holder by notice in writing to
deliver-up the licence to it within such time as may specified in the
notice.
(2) The licensing authority may, on the application of the holder
of a licence, also vary the conditions of the licence except such of
them as have been prescribed.
(3) The licensing authority may by order in writing suspend a
licence for such period as it thinks fit or revoke a licence,--
(a) if the licensing authority is satisfied that the holder
of the licence is prohibited by this Act or by any
other law for the time being in force, from acquiring,
having in his possession or carrying any arms or
ammunition, or is of unsound mind, or is for any reason
unfit for a licence under this Act; or
43
(b) if the licensing authority deems it necessary for the
security of the public peace or for public safety to
suspend or revoke the licence; or
(c) if the licence was obtained by the suppression of
material information or on the basis of wrong
information provided by the holder of the licence or
any other person on his behalf at the time of applying
for it; or
(d) if any of the conditions of the licence has been
contravened; or
(e) if the holder of the licence has failed to comply with a
notice under sub-section (1) requiring him to deliver-
up the licence.
(4) The licensing authority may also revoke a licence on the
application of the holder thereof.
(5) Where the licensing authority makes an order varying a
licence under sub-section (1) or an order suspending or revoking a
licence under sub-section (3), it shall record in writing the reasons
therefor and furnish to the holder of the licence on demand a brief
statement of the same unless in any case the licensing authority is of
the opinion that it will not be in the public interest to furnish such
statement.
(6) The authority to whom the licensing authority is subordinate
may by order in writing suspend or revoke a licence on any ground on
which it may be suspended or revoked by the licensing authority; and
the foregoing provisions of this section shall, as far as may be,
apply in relation to the suspension or revocation of a licence by such
authority.
(7) A court convicting the holder of a licence of any offence
under this Act or the rules made thereunder may also suspend or revoke
the licence:
Provided that if the conviction is set aside on appeal or
otherwise, the suspension or revocation shall become void.
(8) An order of suspension or revocation under sub-section (7)
may also be made by an appellate court or by the High Court when
exercising its powers of revision.
(9) The Central Government may, by order in the Official Gazette,
suspend or revoke or direct any licensing authority to suspend or
revoke all or any licences granted under this Act throughout India or
any part thereof.
44
(10) On the suspension or revocation of a licence under this
section the holder thereof shall without delay surrender the licence
to the authority by whom it has been suspended or revoked or to such
other authority as may be specified in this behalf in the order of
suspension or revocation.
18.
Appeals.
18. Appeals.- (1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the
licensing authority refusing to grant a licence or varying the
conditions of a licence or by an order of the licensing authority or
the authority to whom the licensing authority is subordinate,
suspending or revoking a licence may prefer an appeal against that
order to such authority (hereinafter referred to as the appellate
authority) and within such period as may be prescribed:
Provided that no appeal shall lie against any order made by or
under the direction of, the Government.
(2) No appeal shall be admitted if it is preferred after the
expiry of the period prescribed therefor:
Provided that an appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the
period prescribed therefor if the appellant satisfies the appellate
authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal
within that period.
(3) The period prescribed for an appeal shall be computed in
accordance with the provisions of the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9
of 1908), with respect to the computation of periods of limitation
thereunder.
(4) Every appeal under this section shall be made by a petition
in writing and shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the
reasons for the order appealed against where such statement has been
furnished to the appellant and by such fee as may be prescribed.
(5) In disposing of an appeal the appellate authority shall
follow such procedure as may be prescribed:
Provided that no appeal shall be disposed of unless the appellant
has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(6) The order appealed against shall, unless the appellate
authority conditionally or unconditionally directs otherwise, be in
force pending the disposal of the appeal against such order.
(7) Every order of the appellate authority confirming, modifying
or reversing the order appealed against shall be final.
45
CHAP
POWERS AND PROCEDURE
CHAPTER IV
POWERS AND PROCEDURE
19.
Power to demand production of licence, etc.
19. Power to demand production of licence, etc.- (1) Any police
officer or any other officer specially empowered in this behalf by the
Central Government may demand the production of his licence from any
person who is carrying any arms or ammunition.
(2) If the person upon whom a demand is made refuses or fails to
produce the licence or to show that he is entitled by virtue of this
Act or any other law for the time being in force to carry such arms or
ammunition without a licence, the officer concerned may require him to
give his name and address and if such officer considers it necessary,
seize from that person the arms or ammunition which he is carrying.
(3) If that person refuses to give his name and address or if the
officer concerned suspects that person of giving a false name or
address or of intending to abscond, such officer may arrest him
without warrant.
20.
Arrest of persons conveying arms, etc., under
suspiciouscircumstances.
20. Arrest of persons conveying arms, etc., under suspicious
circumstances.- Where any person is found carrying or conveying any
arms or ammunition whether covered by a licence or not, in such manner
or under such circumstances as to afford just grounds of suspicion
that the same are or is being carried by him with intent to use them,
or that the same may be used, for any unlawful purpose, any
magistrate, any police officer or any other public servant or any
person employed or working upon a railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle
or any other means of conveyance, may arrest him without warrant and
seize from him such arms or ammunition.
21.
Deposit of arms, etc., on possession ceasing to be lawful.
21. Deposit of arms, etc., on possession ceasing to be lawful.-
(1) Any person having in his possession any arms or ammunition the
possession whereof has, in consequence of the expiration of the
duration of a licence or of the suspension or revocation of a licence
or by the issue of a notification under section 4 or by any reason
whatever, ceased to be lawful, shall without unnecessary delay deposit
the same either with the officer in charge of the nearest police
station or subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, with a
licensed dealer or where such person is a member of the armed forces
of the Union, in a unit armoury.
Explanation.--In this sub-section "unit armoury" includes an
armoury in a ship or establishment of the Indian Navy.
(2) Where arms or ammunition have or has been deposited under
sub-section (1), the depositor or in the case of his death, his legal
46
representative, shall, at any time before the expiry of such period as
may be prescribed, be entitled--
(a) to receive back anything so deposited on his becoming
entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the
time being in force to have the same in his possession,
or
(b) to dispose, or authorise the disposal, of anything so
deposited by sale or otherwise to any person entitled
by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time
being in force to have, or not prohibited by this Act
or such other law from having, the same in his
possession and to receive the proceeds of any such
disposal:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to
authorise the return or disposal of anything of which confiscation has
been directed under section 32.
(3) All things deposited and not received back or disposed of
under sub-section (2) within the period therein referred to shall be
forfeited to Government by order of the district magistrate:
Provided that in the case of suspension of a licence no such
forfeiture shall be ordered in respect of a thing covered by the
licence during the period of suspension.
(4) Before making an order under sub-section (3) the district
magistrate shall, by notice in writing to be served upon the depositor
or in the case of his death, upon his legal representative, in the
prescribed manner, require him to show cause within thirty days from
the service of the notice why the things specified in the notice
should not be forfeited.
(5) After considering the cause, if any, shown by the depositor
or, as the case may be, his legal representative, the district
magistrate shall pass such order as he thinks fit.
(6) The Government may at any time return to the depositor or his
legal representative things forfeited to it or the proceeds of
disposal thereof wholly or in part.
22.
Search and seizure by magistrate.
22. Search and seizure by magistrate.-(1) Whenever any magistrate
has reason to believe--
(a) that any person residing within the local limits of his
jurisdiction has in his possession any arms or
ammunition for any unlawful purpose, or
(b) that such person cannot be left in the possession of any
arms or ammunition without danger to the public peace
or safety.
47
the magistrate may, after having recorded the reasons for his belief,
cause a search to be made of the house or premises occupied by such
person or in which the magistrate has reason to believe that such arms
or ammunition are or is to be found and may have such arms or
ammunition, if any, seized and detain the same in safe custody for
such period as he thinks necessary, although that person may be
entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time being in
force to have the same in his possession.
(2) Every search under this section shall be conducted by or in
the presence of a magistrate or by or in the presence of some officer
specially empowered in this behalf by the Central Government.
23.
Search of vessels, vehicles for arms, etc.
23. Search of vessels, vehicles for arms, etc,.- Any magistrate,
any police officer or any other officer specially powered in this
behalf by the Central Government, may for the purpose of ascertaining
whether any contravention of this Act or the rules made thereunder is
being or is likely to be committed, stop and search any vessel,
vehicle or other means of conveyance and seize any arms or ammunition
that may be found therein along with such vessel, vehicle or other
means of conveyance.
24.
Seizure and detention under orders of the Central Government.
24. Seizure and detention under orders of the Central Government.-
The Central Government may at any time order the seizure of any arms
or ammunition in the possession of any person, notwithstanding that
such person is entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the
time being in force to have the same in his possession, and may detain
the same for such period as it thinks necessary for the public peace
and safety.
24A.
Prohibition as to possession of notified arms in disturbed areas, etc.
1*[24A. Prohibition as to possession of notified arms in
disturbed areas, etc. (1) Where the Central Government is satisfied
that there is extensive disturbance of public peace and tranquillity
or imminent danger of such disturbance in any area and that for the
prevention of offences involving the use of arms in such area, it is
necessary or expedient so to do, it may by notification in the
Official Gazette--
(a) specify the limits of such area;
(b) direct that before the commencement of the period
specified in the notification (which period shall be a period
commencing from a date not earlier tan the fourth day after the
date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette),
every person having in his possession in such area any arms of
such description as may be specified in the notification (the
arms so specified being hereafter in this section referred to as
notified arms), shall deposit the same before such commencement
in accordance with the provisions of section 21 and for this
purpose the possession by such person of any notified arms shall,
notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this
Act (except section 41) or in any other law for the time being in
force, as from the date of publication of such notification in
the Official Gazette be deemed to have ceased to be lawful;
(c) declare that as from the commencement of, and until the
expiry of, the period specified in the notification, it shall not
be lawful for any person to have in his possession in such area
any notified arms;
(d) authorise any such officer subordinate to the Central
Government or a State Government as may be specified in the
notification,--
(i) to search at any time during the period specified
in the notification any person in, or passing through, or
any premises in, or any animal or vessel or vehicle or other
conveyance of whatever nature in or passing through, or any
receptacle or other container of whatever nature in, such
area if such officer has reason to believe that any notified
arms are secreted by such person or in such premises or on
such animal or in such vessel, vehicle or other conveyance
or in such receptacle or other container;
(ii) to seize at any time during the period specified in the
notification any notified arms in the possession of any person in
such area or discovered through a search under sub-clause (i),
and detain the same during the period specified in the
notification.
(2) The period specified in a notification issued under sub-
section (1) in respect of any area shall not, in the first instance,
exceed ninety days, but the Central Government may amend such
notification to extend such period from time to time by any period not
exceeding ninety days at any one time if, in the opinion of that
Government, there continues to be in such area such disturbance of
public peace and tranquillity as is referred to in sub-section (1) or
imminent danger thereof and that for the prevention of offences
involving the use of arms in such area it is necessary or expedient so
to do.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of
1973), relating to searches and seizures shall, so far as may be,
apply to any search or seizure made under sub-section (1).
(4) For the purposes of this section,--
(a) "arms" includes ammunition;
(b) where the period specified in a notification, as
originally issued under sub-section (1), is extended under sub-
section (2), then, in relation to such notification, references
in sub-section (1) to "the period specified in the notification"
shall be construed as references to the period as so extended.
24B.
Prohibition as to carrying of notified arms or through
publicplaces in
disturbed areas ect.
24B. Prohibition as to carrying of notification arms or through
public places in disturbedareas etc. (1) Where the Central Government
is satisfied that there is extensive disturbance of public peace and
tranquillity or imminent danger of such disturbance in any area and
that for the prevention of offences involving the use of arms in such
area it is necessary or expedient so to do, it may, by notification in
the Official Gazette,--
(a) specify the limits of such area;
(b) direct that during the period specified in the
notification (which period shall be a period commencing from a
date not earlier than the second day after the date of
publication of the notification in the Official Gazette), no
person shall carry or otherwise have in his possession any arms
of such description as may be specified in the notification (the
arms so specified being hereafter in this section referred to as
notified arms) through or in any public place in such area;
(c) authorise any such officer subordinate to the Central
Government or a State Government as may be specified in the
notification,--
(i) to search at any time during the period specified
in the notification any person in, or passing through, or
any premises in or forming part of, or any animal or vessel
or vehicle or other conveyance of whatever nature in or
passing through, or any receptacle or other container of
whatever nature in, any public place in such area if such
officer has reason to believe that any notified arms are
secreted by such person or in such premises or on such
animal or in such vessel, vehicle or other conveyance or in
such receptacle or other container;
(ii) to seize at any time during the period specified
in the notification any notified arms being carried by or
otherwise in the possession of any person, through or in a
public place in such area or discovered through a search
under sub-clause (i), and detain the same during the period
specified in the notification.
(2) The period specified in a notification issued under sub-
section (1) in respect of any area shall not, in the first instance,
exceed ninety days, but the Central Government may amend such
notification to extend such period from time to time by any period
exceeding ninety days at any one time if, in the opinion of that
Government, there continues to be in such area such disturbance of
public peace and tranquillity as is referred to in sub-section (1) or
imminent danger thereof and that for the prevention of offences
involving the use of arms in such area it is necessary or expedient so
to do.
(3) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
(2 of 1974) relating to searches and seizures shall, so far as may
be, apply to any search or seizure made under sub-section (1).
(4) For the purposes of this section,--
(a) "arms" includes ammunition;
(b) "public place" means any place intended for use by, or
accessible to, the public or any section of the public; and
(c) where the period specified in a notification, as
originally issued under sub-section (1), is extended under sub-
section (2), then, in relation to such notification, references
in sub-section (1) to "the period specified in the notification"
shall be construed as references to the period as so extended.]
CHAP
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
CHAPTER V
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
25.
Punishment for certain offences.
25. Punishment for certain offences. 2*[(1) Whoever--
(a) manufactures, sells, transfers, converts, repairs, tests
or proves, or exposes or offers for sale or transfer, or has in
his possession for sale, transfer, conversion, repair, test or
proof, any arms or ammunition in contravention of section 5; or
(b) shortens the barrel of a firearm or converts an
imitation firearm into a firearm in contravention of section 6;
or
3* * * * *
(d) brings into, or takes out of, India, any arms or
ammunition of any class or description in contravention of
section 11
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be
less than three years but which may extend to seven years and shall
also be liable to fine.
5*[(1AAA)] Whoever has in contravention of a notification
issued under section 24A in his possession or in contravention of
a notification issued under section 24B carries or otherwise has
in his possession, any arms or ammunition shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than
6*[three
years, but which may extend to seven years] and shall also be
liable to fine.
(1B) Whoever--
(a) acquires, has in his possession or carries any firearm
or ammunition in contravention of section 3; or
(b) acquires, has in his possession or carries in any place
specified by notification under section 4 any arms of such class
or description as has been specified in that notification in
contravention of that section; or
(c) sells or transfers any firearm which does not bear the
name of the maker, manufacturer's number or other identification
mark stamped or otherwise shown thereon as required by sub-
section (2) of section 8 or does any act in contravention of sub-
section (1) of that section; or
(d) being a person to whom sub-clause (ii) or sub-clause
(iii) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 9 applies,
acquires, has in his possession or carries any firearm or
ammunition in contravention of that section; or
(e) sells or transfers, or converts, repairs, tests or
proves any firearm or ammunition in contravention of clause (b)
of sub-section (1) of section 9; or
(f) brings into, or takes out of, India, any arms or
ammunition in contravention of section 10; or
(g) transports any arms or ammunition in contravention of
section 12; or
(h) fails to deposit arms or ammunition as required by sub-
section (2) of section 3, or sub-section (1) of section 21; or
(i) being a manufacturer of, or dealer in, arms or
ammunition, fails, on being required to do so by rules made under
section 44, to maintain a record or account or to make therein
all such entries as are required by such rules or intentionally
makes a false entry therein or prevents or obstructs the
inspection of such record or account or the making of copies of
entries therefrom or prevents or obstructs the entry into any
premises or other place where arms or ammunition are or is
manufactured or kept or intentionally fails to exhibit or
conceals such arms or ammunition or refuses to point out where
the same are or is manufactured or kept,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be
less than 6*[one year] but which may extend to three years and shall
also be liable to fine:
Provided that the Court may for any adequate and special reasons
to be recorded in the judgment impose a sentence of imprisonment for a
term of less than 6*[one year]
7*[(1C) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1B),
whoever commits an offence punishable under that sub-section in any
disturbed area shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years
and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation.--For the purposes of this sub-section, "disturbed
area" means any area declared to be a disturbed area under any
enactment, for the time being in force, making provision for the
suppression of disorder and restoration and maintenance of public
order, and includes any areas specified by notification under section
24A or section 24B.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 7 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
3. Cl. (c) omitted by Act 42 of 1988 s. 5 (w.e.f. 27-5-1988).
4. Ins. by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-1988).
5. Sub-section (1A) renumbered as sub-section (1AAA) there of by s.5
ibid. (w.e.d. 27-5-1988).
6. Subs. by Act 39 of 1985, s. 2.
7. Ins. by s. 2, ibid..
49
(2) Whoever being a person to whom sub-clause (i) of clause (a)
of sub-section (1) of section 9 applies, acquires, has in his
possession or carries any firearm or ammunition in contravention of
that section shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
may extend to one year, or with fine, or with both.
1*[(3) Whoever sells or transfers any firearm, ammunition or
other arms--
(i) without informing the district magistrate having
jurisdiction or the officer in charge of the nearest police
station, of the intended sale or transfer of that firearm,
ammunition or other arms; or
(ii) before the expiration of the period of forty-five
days from the date of giving such information to such
district magistrate or the officer in charge of the police
station,
in contravention of the provisions of clause (a) or clause (b) of the
proviso to sub-section (2) of section 5, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine
of an amount which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.]
(4) Whoever fails to deliver-up a licence when so required by the
licensing authority under sub-section (1) of section 17 for the
purpose of varying the conditions specified in the licence or fails to
surrender a licence to the appropriate authority under sub-section
(10) of that section on its suspension or revocation shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six
months, or with fine of an amount which may extend to five hundred
rupees, or with both.
(5) Whoever, when required under section 19 to give his name and
address, refuses to give such name and address or gives a name or
address which subsequently transpires to be false shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with
fine of an amount which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with
both.
26.
Secret contraventions.
2*[26. Secret contraventions.- (1) Whoever does any act in
contravention of any of the provisions of section 3, 4, 10 or 12 in
such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known
to any public servant or to any person employed or working upon a
railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle or any other means of conveyance,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be
less than six months but which may extend to seven years and also with
fine.
(2) Whoever does any act in contravention of any of the
provisions of section 5, 6, 7 or 11 in such manner as to indicate an
intention that such act may not be known to any public servant or to
any person employed or working upon a railway, aircraft, vessel,
vehicle or any other means of conveyance, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall be punishable with imprisonment
for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may
extend to ten years and also with fine.
(3) Whoever on any search being made under section 22 conceals or
attempts to conceal any arms or ammunition, shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and also with
fine.]
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 8, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for s. 26 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
50
27.
Punishment for using arms, etc.
1*[27. Punishment for using arms, etc.- (1) Whoever uses any arms
or ammunition in contravention of section 5 shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but
which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever uses any prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition in
contravention of section 7 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a
term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to
imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine.
(3) Whoever uses any prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition or
does any act in contravention of section 7 and such use or act results
in the death of any other person, shall be punishable with death.]
28.
Punishment for use and possession of firearms or imitation firearms
incertain
cases.
28. Punishment for use and possession of firearms or imitation
firearms in certain cases.- Whoever makes or attempts to make any use
whatsoever of a firearm or an imitation firearm with intent to resist
or prevent the lawful arrest or detention of himself or any other
person shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to seven years, 4*[and with fine]
Explanation.--In this section the expression "imitation firearm"
has the same meaning as in section 6.
29.
Punishment for knowingly purchasing arms, etc., from unlicensed
personor for
delivering arms, etc., to person not entitled to possess thesame.
29. Punishment for knowingly purchasing arms, etc., from
unlicensed person or for delivering arms, etc., to person not entitled
to possess the same.- Whoever--
(a) purchases any firearm or any other arms of such class or
description as may be prescribed or any ammunition from
any other person knowing that such other person is not
licensed or authorised under section 5; or
(b) delivers any arms or ammunition into the possession of
another person without previously ascertaining that
such other person is entitled by virtue of this Act or
any other law for the time being in force to have, and
is not prohibited by this Act or such other law from
having, in his possession the same;
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
2*[three years, or with fine, or with both]
30.
Punishment for contravention of licence or rule.
30. Punishment for contravention of licence or rule.- Whoever
contravenes any condition of a licence or any provision of this act or
any rule made thereunder, for which no punishment is provided
elsewhere in this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to 3*[six month], or with fine which may extend to
4*[two thousand] rupees, or with both.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, s. 6, for s. 27 (w.e.f. 27-5-1988).
2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 10, for certain words (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 11 ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
4. Subs. by s. 12, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
51
31.
Punishment for subsequent offences.
31. Punishment for subsequent offences.- Whoever having been
convicted of an offence under this Act is again convicted of an
offence under this Act shall be punishable with double the penalty
provided for the latter offence.
32.
Power to confiscate.
32. Power to confiscate.- (1) When any person is convicted under
this Act of any offence committed by him in respect of any arms or
ammunition, it shall be in the discretion of the convicting court
further to direct that the whole or any portion of such arms or
ammunition, and any vessel, vehicle or other means of conveyance and
any resceptacle or thing containing, or used to conceal, the arms or
ammunition shall be confiscated:
Provided that if the conviction is set aside on appeal or
otherwise, the order of confiscation shall become void.
(2) An order of confiscation may also be made by the appellate
court or by the High Court when exercising its powers of revision.
33.
Offences by companies.
33. Offences by companies.-(1) Whenever an offence under this Act
has been committed by a company, every person who at the time the
offence was committed was in charge of, or was responsible to the
company for the conduct of, the business of the company, as well as
the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be
liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render
any such person liable to any punishment under this Act if he proves
that the offence was committed without his knowledge and that he
exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where
an offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is
proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or
connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any
director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such
director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to
be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against
and punished accordingly.
Explanation.--For the purposes of this section,--
(a) "company" means any body corporate, and includes a firm
or other association of individuals; and
(b) "director", in relation to a firm, means a partner in
the firm.
52
CHAP
MISCELLANEOUS
CHAPTER VI
MISCELLANEOUS
34.
Sanction of Central Government for warehousing of arms.
34. Sanction of Central Government for warehousing of arms.-
Notwithstanding anything contained in the 1*[Customs Act, 1962
(52 of 1962)] no arms or ammunition shall be deposited in any ware-
house licensed under 1*[section 58] of that Act without the sanction
of the Central Government.
35.
Criminal responsibility of persons in occupation of premises
incertain
cases.
35. Criminal responsibility of persons in occupation of premises
in certain cases. Where any arms or ammunition in respect of which any
offence under this Act has been or is being committed are or is found
in any premises, vehicle or other place in the joint occupation or
under the joint control of several persons, each of such persons in
respect of whom there is reason to believe that he was aware of the
existence of the arms or ammunition in the premises, vehicle or other
place shall, unless the contrary is proved, be liable for that offence
in the same manner as if it has been or is being committed by him
alone.
36.
Information to be given regarding certain offences.
36. Information to be given regarding certain offences.-(1) Every
person aware of the commission of any offence under this Act shall, in
the absence of reasonable excuse the burden of proving which shall lie
upon such person, give information of the same to the officer in
charge of the nearest police station or the magistrate having
jurisdiction.
(2) Every person employed or working upon any railway, aircraft,
vessel, vehicle or other means of conveyance shall, in the absence of
reasonable excuse the burden of proving which shall lie upon such
person, give information to the officer in charge of the nearest
police station regarding any box, package or bale in transit which he
may have reason to suspect contains arms or ammunition in respect of
which an offence under this Act has been or is being committed.
37.
Arrest and searches.
37. Arrest and searches.-Save as otherwise provided in this Act,-
-
(a) all arrests and searches made under this Act or under
any rules made thereunder shall be carried out in
accordance with the provisions of the 2*[Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], relating respec-
tively to arrests and searches made under that Code;
(b) any person arrested and any arms or ammunition seized
under this Act by a person not being a magistrate or a
police officer shall be delivered without delay to the
officer
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 13, for certain words (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
53
in charge of the nearest police station and that
officer shall--
(i) either release that person on his
executing a bond with or without sureties to
appear before a magistrate and keep the things
seized in his custody till the appearance of that
person before the magistrate, or
(ii) should that person fail to execute the
bond and to furnish, if so required, sufficient
sureties, produce that person and those things
without delay before the magistrate.
38.
Offences to be cognizable.
38. Offences to be cognizable.-Every offence under this Act shall
be cognizable within the meaning of the 1*[Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973 (2 of 1974)]
39.
Previous sanction of the district magistrate necessary in
certaincases.
39. Previous sanction of the district magistrate necessary in
certain cases.- No prosecution shall be instituted against any person
in respect of any offence under section 3 without the previous
sanction of the district magistrate.
40.
Protection of action taken in good faith.
40. Protection of action taken in good faith.- No suit,
prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for
any thing which is in good faith done or intended to be done under
this Act.
41.
Power to exempt.
41. Power to exempt.- Where the Central Government is of the
opinion that it is necessary or expedient in the public interest so to
do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to
such conditions, if any, as it may specify in the notification,--
(a) 2*[exempt any person or class of persons (either
generally or in relation to such description of arms
and ammunition as may be specified in the
notification)], or exclude any description of arms or
ammunition, or withdraw any part of India, from the
operation of all or any of the provisions of this Act;
and
(b) as often as may be, cancel any such notification and
again subject, by a like notification, the person or
class of persons or the description of arms and
ammunition or the part of India to the operation of
such provisions.
42.
Power to take census of firearms.
42. Power to take census of firearms.-(1) The Central Government
may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct a census to be
taken of all firearms in any area and empower any officer of
Government to take such census.
(2) On the issue of any such notification all persons having in
their possession any firearm in that area shall furnish to the officer
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 14 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
54
concerned such information as he may require in relation thereto and
shall produce before him such firearms if he so requires.
43.
Power to delegate.
43. Power to delegate.- (1) The Central Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, direct that any power or
function which may be exercised or performed by it under this Act
other than the power under section 41 or the power under section 44
may, in relation to such matters and subject to such conditions, if
any, as it may specify in the notification, be exercised or performed
also by--
(a) such officer or authority subordinate to the Central
Government, or
(b) such State Government or such officer or authority
subordinate to the State Government,
as may be specified in the notification.
(2) Any rules made by the Central Government under this Act may
confer powers or impose duties or authorise the conferring of powers
or imposition of duties upon any State Government or any officer or
authority subordinate thereto.
44.
Power to make rules.
44. Power to make rules.-(1) The Central Government may, by
notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the
purposes of this Act.
(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the
following matters, namely:--
(a) the appointment, jurisdiction, control and functions of
licensing authorities 1*["including the areas and the
categories of arms and ammunition for which they may
grant licences];
(b) the form and particulars of application for the grant or
renewal of a licence and where the application is for
the renewal of a licence, the time within which it
shall be made;
(c) the form in which and the conditions subject to which
any licence may be granted or refused, renewed, varied,
suspended or revoked;
(d) where no period has been specified in this Act, the
period for which any licence shall continue to be in
force;
(e) the fees payable in respect of any application for the
grant or renewal of a licence and in respect of any
licence granted or renewed and the manner of paying the
same;
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1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 16 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
55
(f) the manner in which the maker's name, the manufacturer's
number or other identification mark of a firearm shall
be stamped or otherwise shown thereon;
(g) the procedure for the test or proof of any firearms;
(h) the firearms that may be used in the course of training,
the age-limits of persons who may use them and the
conditions for their use by such persons;
(i) the authority to whom appeals may be preferred under
section 18, the procedure to be followed by such
authority and the period within which appeals shall be
preferred, the fees to be paid in respect of such
appeals and the refund of such fees;
(j) the maintenance of records or accounts of anything done
under a licence other than a licence under section 3 or
section 4, the form of, and the entries to be made in,
such records or accounts and the exhibition of such
records or accounts to any police officer or to any
officer of Government empowered in this behalf;
(k) the entry and inspection by any police officer or by any
officer of Government empowered in this behalf of any
premises or other place in which arms or ammunition are
or is manufactured or in which arms or ammunition are
or is kept by a manufacturer of or dealer in such arms
or ammunition and the exhibition of the same to such
officer;
(l) the conditions subject to which arms or ammunition may
be deposited with a licensed dealer or in a unit
armoury as required by sub-section (1) of section 21
and the period on the expiry of which the things so
deposited may be forfeited;
(m) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed.
(3) Every rule made under this section shall be laid as soon as
may be after it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in
session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in
one session or in 1*[two or more successive sessions, and if, before
the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the
successive sessions aforesaid], both Houses agree in making any
modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not
be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified
form or
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1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 16, for certain words (w.e.f.
22-6-1983).
56
be of no effect, as the case may be, so however that any such
modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity
of anything previously done under that rule.
45.
Nothing in this Act shall apply to
45. Nothing in this Act shall apply to--
(a) arms or ammunition on board any sea-going vessel or any
aircraft and forming part of the ordinary armament or
equipment of such vessel or aircraft;
(b) the acquisition, possession or carrying, the
manufacture, repair, conversion, test or proof, the
sale or transfer or the import, export or transport of
arms or ammunition--
(i) by or under orders of the Central
Government, or
(ii) by a public servant in the course of his
duty as such public servant, or
(iii) by a member of the National Cadet Corps
raised and maintained under the National Cadet
Corps Act, 1948 (31 of 1948), or by any officer
or enrolled person of the Territorial Army Act,
1948 (56 of 1948), or by any member of any other
forces raised and maintained or that may hereafter
be raised and maintained under any Central Act, or
by any member of such other forces as the Central
Government may, by notification in the Official
Gazette, specify, in the course of his duty as
such member, officer or enrolled person;
(c) any weapon of an obsolete pattern or of antiquarian
value or in disrepair which is not capable of being
used as a firearm either with or without repair;
(d) the acquisition, possession or carrying by a person of
minor parts of arms or ammunition which are not
intended to be used along with complementary parts
acquired or possessed by that or any other person.
46.
Repeal of Act 11 of 1878.
46. Repeal of Act 11 of 1878. (1) The Indian Arms Act, 1878 (11
of 1878), is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Indian Arms Act, 1878, (11
of 1878.) and without prejudice to the provisions of sections 6 and 24
of the General Clauses Act, 1897 (10 of 1897), every licence granted
or renewed under the first-mentioned Act shall, unless sooner revoked,
continue in force after such commencement for the unexpired portion of
the period for which it has been granted or renewed.
About this act
- Jurisdiction
- Bihar
- Enactment date
- 1959-12-23
- Sections available
- Document reader
India Code, Government of India. Text fetched 16 Oct 2026. Check the linked official text and subsequent notifications when applying a provision.