This blog examines gun licensing regulations across nations, offering a comparative analysis of how different countries manage and oversee firearm ownership.
Introduction
Firearms have long been associated with violence and fear, owing to decades of war and conflict where guns and arms were prominent. Nevertheless, as societal perspectives evolve and people adopt more open-minded attitudes, firearms are increasingly viewed as valuable tools for self-defence, a response to the growing prevalence of criminal activities. In this Blog Know about Gun Licensing Regulations Across Countries!
Current laws not only grant the police, armed forces, and authorised individuals the right to employ guns and arms, but they also extend this privilege to private citizens in designated areas. Furthermore, regulations for firearms are imperative, catering to those who engage in sports or hunting activities involving guns.
Singapore Arms Act
Singapore has some of the strictest gun laws globally to reduce violence. These laws are governed by the Arms and Explosive Act, 1913. There are two types of licenses issued by the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department:
- Long-term licenses (valid for 2 years) for things like owning, trading, manufacturing, storing, blasting, disposing of explosives, and repairing arms
- Short-term licenses (valid for 14 days) for importing, exporting, and purchasing guns.
To apply for a license, visit the police website. Carrying guns for self-defense is not allowed except in cases of protecting oneself or property without excessive force. Possessing a weapon for self-defense, even without using it, is illegal. If your license is refused, cancelled, or suspended, you can appeal within 14 days. Gun transfers are allowed to people with existing licenses. You must be 18 to buy a gun unless the Licensing Officer approves otherwise.
For sports shooting, you need supporting documents from your shooting club and the facility manager. A recent bill was discussed in Parliament to tighten gun regulations, including for high-risk items like automatic weapons. The Minister can temporarily suspend gun-related activities for up to six months with no appeal, and the changes also cover 3D guns and drone-controlled weapons.
The United States of America Gun Control Act
Due in large part to the protection of the ‘Right of the people to keep and bear arms’ provided by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the country has comparatively lax gun laws.
Gun control in the USA is primarily governed by the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), which sets federal laws. The legal age for purchasing shotguns, rifles, and ammunition is 18, while handguns and similar weapons require the buyer to be at least 21. Several restrictions apply to gun licensing, including:
- Those who are fugitives
- People who suffer from mental health disorders
- Those with controlled drug possession—including marijuana, which is lawful in certain states but banned on the federal level—and former convicts serving sentences over a year in jail
- Individuals with restraining orders
- Non-citizens, including those who renounced their citizenship
- Tourists
- Dishonorably discharged military personnel
- Unauthorised immigrants
The GCA is administered and licencing requirements are set by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Background checks are mandatory when applying for a license, and permits are required for carrying handguns. Regulations for concealed and open carry vary by state, with some allowing residents to carry handguns without permits.
In some states, individuals must carry identification when publicly carrying rifles and shotguns, such as in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Many states require training before Obtaining a Gun License. State gun licensing laws fall into four categories:
- Permit to purchase weapons
- License to own weapons
- Weapon safety certificate
- Registration laws
The validity and application process for gun licenses vary from state to state. For example, in California, a gun license can be valid for up to 5 years, while in Hawaii, a handgun license is valid for 14 days, and long gun permits are valid for 1 year. Illinois issues a 10-year Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Card.
The United States has ‘Castle Doctrine’ and ‘Stand-Your-Ground’ laws that allow individuals to defend themselves, but the interpretation and application of these laws vary and can be a subject of debate. The Castle Doctrine applies when defending one’s home or property with deadly force, while Stand-Your-Ground laws permit the use of deadly force when someone believes it is necessary to protect against deadly force or severe bodily harm.
India Arms Act Analysis
India has some of the strictest gun regulations globally, which fall under the Arms Act of 1959. To obtain a gun license, individuals must demonstrate a credible threat to their life. The application process involves a criminal background check and an assessment of mental fitness, typically conducted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). Similar to the United States, India also mandates gun license training.
The verdict in the Sanjay Dutt v. State through CBI case was cited by the Bombay High Court in the case of Rachelle Joel Oseran v. State of Maharashtra. It underlined that the Arms Act of 1959 does not criminalise simple gun ownership without knowledge. The court made it clear that “possession” refers to conscious ownership rather than merely being in custody without understanding the nature of that ownership.
Regarding transferability, an original gun license can be passed on to legal heirs. If the license holder is alive, this can be done with a plain paper application attached to Form A. If the original license has expired, a new application can be submitted in Form A.
The demand for gun licenses in India is driven by concerns about personal safety. In 2016, India transitioned from a century-old record-keeping system to a national database, which now contains information about approximately 2.6 million gun license holders. The National Crime Records Bureau reports that between 2010 and 2014, the number of gun-related deaths rose from 3,063 to 3,655. Compared to 2013, this is a much greater number in the United States. Even if the proportion is low, there are still problems to be solved, since just 14% of the deaths in India in 2014 were caused by legally owned firearms.
The majority of these victims were killed by illegal weapons, and an analysis by IndiaSpend found that an American is 12 times more likely to be killed by a gun than an Indian. This data is based on information from Gun Policy, a global gun monitoring organization.
Conclusion:-
Therefore, while implementing and ensuring stringent gun licensing policies, it’s equally crucial to combat the proliferation of illegal weapons. The presence of such weapons symbolises doubt, distrust, and an unsafe environment for citizens. Interestingly, in Iceland, even the police often go unarmed.
Since gaining independence, Iceland has experienced only one instance of gun violence, which occurred in 2013 when a person was shot in public. This highlights the safety and remarkable nature of the nation. Given the current environment, it’s imperative to foster a sense of community responsibility to ensure that firearms are used exclusively for sporting purposes. Until such a culture is established, there’s a need for more effective policy execution, particularly in India.
FAQs
Which pistol is available in India for civilians?
In India, civilians can obtain licenses for certain handguns, including .32 caliber pistols, .22 caliber pistols, and revolvers. The availability of specific models may vary by state and is subject to stringent licensing procedures.
What is the price of a pistol bullet?
The price of a pistol bullet in India can vary depending on factors like caliber, brand, and availability. On average, .32 caliber bullets may cost around 20 to 40 rupees per round, while .22 caliber bullets can range from 10 to 20 rupees per round.
How many rupees is a real gun?
The cost of a real firearm in India can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of gun, brand, and model. Handguns, like revolvers or pistols, may range from several thousand rupees to lakhs, while rifles or shotguns could cost even more, with prices starting from tens of thousands to several lakhs of rupees. The exact amount can differ widely in the market.
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