Presidential Assent to the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019
On 13th December, the President approved the Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019, providing for a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for manufacturing and carrying illegal arms. It amends the Arms Act, 1959.
As per the 2019 act, those who possess more than two firearms will have to deposit the remaining third one with police station concerned or authorised gun dealers within one year. Heirloom or heritage weapons could be kept if they have been de-activated.
It accords special status to sportsperson who need firearms and ammunition for practice and participation in tournaments.
It enhances of period of arms licence from three years to five years and provides for issuance of arms licence in its electronic form for rationalising and facilitating the licensing procedures for use of firearms by individuals.
Whoever uses firearms for celebratory gunfire or in a rash and negligent manner shall be punished with two-year imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh. This provision has been introduced to rein in incidents of celebratory firings which endanger human life or personal safety of others.
Whoever acquires, has in his possession or carries 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 fourteen years.
For weapons stolen or taken away by force from police or armed forces by Naxals, militants in J&K and North East insurgents, a jail term of minimum 10 years to maximum life imprisonment with a fine has been prescribed.
If any member of an “organized crime syndicate” is found in possession or carries any arms or ammunition in contravention of Arms Act shall be punishable with 10 years’ imprisonment which may extend to life and shall also be liable to fine.
