In India, gun licenses are typically granted to individuals who meet specific criteria, such as a clean criminal record and a genuine need for self-defence.
A Gun license, often issued by government authorities and typically administered by the state’s police department, is a legal permit granting the holder the right to purchase, own, possess, or carry a firearm. This license is usually subject to a variety of conditions and restrictions, which may include storage requirements, completion of firearm safety courses, and background checks.
In India, the regulations governing the issuance of Gun license are outlined in sections 3, 4, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the Arms Act of 1959, as well as the Arms Rules of 1960 and the Arms Rules of 2016. These legislative acts establish a rigorous and often costly procedure that citizens must follow in order to obtain licenses for firearm possession. According to a 2016 article published by The Washington Post, India is noted for having more stringent gun laws compared to the United States.
Who Can Obtain a Gun License in India?
A non-prohibited bore license is typically issued to an individual of Indian nationality who is at least 21 years old, or in the case of a ‘junior target shooter,’ the individual must be at least 16 years old and of sound mind. The following eligibility aspects has to be fulfilled in order to get a gun license:
- You must be an Indian citizen and provide valid identification documents
- You should be at least 21 years of age, except for certain shooting sports where the minimum age requirement may be 16 or 12, depending on the specific state regulations
- You must have a valid and justifiable reason for applying for an arms license, which could include purposes such as self-defence, sports participation, or firearm collection
- You are required to pay the prescribed fee and complete the necessary application form
- You should not present a threat to public peace or safety, as determined by the authorities.
Procedure to Be Followed for Gun License
Before initiating the process, an individual must meet the above mentioned eligibility criteria, which include being at least 21 years old, of sound mind, and having a justifiable reason for obtaining a firearm license:
- The initial step in obtaining a firearm license is to submit an application to the DCP (Licensing) of the relevant locality. After receiving approval from the concerned officer, the process can continue
- Once the application is submitted to the police, it undergoes thorough scrutiny. This involves verifying the accuracy of the information provided in the form, such as name and address, as well as assessing the justifiability of the reason for seeking the Gun license
- Following the submission of documents, the applicant must appear in person for an interview with a DCP-ranked officer in the respective Commissionerate. During this interview, the officer typically inquires about the applicant’s motive for acquiring the weapon, often cited as self-defence. However, the officer has the discretion to approve or disapprove based on their satisfaction with the stated reason
- Moreover, after the interview, the officer forwards a report to the NCRP (National Crime Records Bureau) and other intelligence agencies to verify if the applicant has any prior criminal record. Additionally, the approving officer may request the local police department to investigate the applicant’s behaviour in their neighbourhood to ensure the weapon won’t be used for violence or illicit activities in the future
- Once the entire process is completed, and the officer is satisfied that the applicant’s intentions are genuine, the license is granted. However, obtaining the approval doesn’t mean the individual can immediately acquire a firearm
- After obtaining the firearm license, the applicant must contact a licensed dealer to purchase the gun. To do this, the customer needs to book a pre-order through a licensed shop of their choice. You Know How to Get Gun License in India from our Experts.
List of Documents Required for Getting the Gun From Factory
- Valid, date-stamped gun license with a specified location
- Photocopy of the gun license
- One copy of the Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the factory owner
- Another copy of the NOC from police authorities. (Not required if the gun license is valid across all of India)
- Transport license for the factory’s location is also a requirement.
Refusal to License (Section 14 of Arms Act, 1959)
A Gun license can be denied in the following cases where:
- The person is prohibited by this Act or any current law from acquiring, possessing, or carrying arms or ammunition
- The individual is of unsound mind
- The person is deemed unfit for a license
- The licensing authority considers it necessary for the overall public peace or public safety to refuse the license.
Conclusion
Acquiring a gun license in India is subject to a set of criteria and regulations. Generally, Indian citizens who meet the age requirements, demonstrate sound mental health, provide a justifiable reason for obtaining a firearm, and pass a thorough background check can apply for a gun license.
However, the issuance of a gun license is at the discretion of the licensing authority and may vary based on local regulations and security considerations, always with the goal of maintaining public safety and peace. It’s essential to follow the specific procedures and requirements laid out by the authorities to obtain a gun license in India. You can also get in touch with our experts to resolve all your queries and initiate the required actions.
FAQs
How many guns can a person Carry in India?
In India, an individual can typically possess one firearm for self-defense. Exceptional cases might permit more, but strict regulations govern firearm possession. Owning multiple firearms is subject to specific conditions and licensing requirements.
What can I carry for self defence in India?
For self-defence in India, non-lethal options like pepper spray, personal alarms, and self-defence training are recommended. Firearms are allowed for self-defence, but obtaining a gun license is a lengthy and strictly regulated process, and owning a firearm is subject to legal conditions.
Which gun is best for self-defence in India?
The choice of a self-defence firearm in India should align with your proficiency and legal compliance. Popular options include revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. However, the suitability of a specific firearm depends on factors like personal comfort, training, and the purpose of ownership, all subject to legal guidelines.
