India’s Stringent Firearm Laws
In stark contrast to the U.S., where gun ownership is common, India maintains strict gun regulations governed by the Arms Act 1959. The Act replaced the Arms Act 1878, intending to reduce illegal arms circulation and associated violence.
Licence Categories
Firearm licences in India are divided into two categories:
- Prohibited Bore (P.B.): Reserved for authorised individuals, as issued by the government.
- Non-Prohibited Bore: Government-issued licences for public firearm ownership.
Eligibility Criteria
To secure a gun licence in India, applicants must:
- Hold Indian citizenship
- Be at least 18 years old
- Present a substantial reason for firearm possession
Step-by-Step Process
- Application Submission: Apply and pay the required fee to the relevant authority – D.C.P. (Licensing) for urban areas, Sub-Divisional Magistrate for rural areas.
- Police Verification: Rigorous background checks to identify criminal records and assess behaviour, including interviews with neighbours.
- Health Checkup: Comprehensive health evaluation to gauge physical and mental fitness.
- Interview and Review: Conduct an interview; forward the report to the crime branch and National Crime Records Bureau.
- Verification and Approval: An affirmative decision is granted upon confirming authenticity, valid solely within the issuing state.
- Firearm Procurement: Post-approval, licensed individuals can purchase firearms from authorised dealers within the issuing state.
India’s stringent gun licence protocol reflects its commitment to curbing illicit arms trade and upholding public safety.
Chief Content Editor (National Law School of India University) at Zolvit.com
Pravien is the Chief Editor at News.Vakilsearch.com, one of India's leading legal news platforms. He graduated with honors from the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, which ranks among India's top legal institutions.
With over a decade of experience in the legal journalism field, Rajeev has a knack for simplifying complex legal matters for the common reader. His dedication to unbiased reporting and commitment to factual accuracy has established him as a respected figure in the Indian legal community. When he's not dissecting the latest court rulings, Pravien enjoys mentoring young journalists.
With over a decade of experience in the legal journalism field, Rajeev has a knack for simplifying complex legal matters for the common reader. His dedication to unbiased reporting and commitment to factual accuracy has established him as a respected figure in the Indian legal community. When he's not dissecting the latest court rulings, Pravien enjoys mentoring young journalists.
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