Curbing Use Of Unlicensed Firearms: Supreme Court Seeks Responses Of Centre, States In Suo Motu Case

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday sought responses from all the states, union territories as well as the Union Home Ministry to spell out the steps taken to combat the use of unlicensed firearms.

While hearing a suo motu plea about unlicensed firearms in the state of Uttar Pradesh, a Division Bench of Justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna termed the problem as a "serious" one.

"States/Union Territories will indicate the steps taken to deal with the menace of unlicensed firearms and the number of cases over the years."

The Court passed this direction after Amicus Curiae Senior Advocate S Nagamuthu informed that inputs from other states would be necessary to have a holistic picture of the issue. He said that it is a national issue which required the Court's attention.

In February, the Supreme Court registered a suo motu case to curb the huge number of possession and use of unlicensed firearms in the country while erming the trend as "disturbing".

'No Fundamental Right To Bear Arms In India' : Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Case On Unlicensed Firearms

This apart, the Court today issued separate directions to the Director General of Police of all States and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The former was asked to file separate affidavits on the two aspects, I.e., steps and the number of cases.

The Union Ministry was asked to file a counter-affidavit on the better implementation of the Arms Act and suggestions to strengthen the legislation.

In March, the Top Court said that the use of unlicensed firearms in the country should be curbed at all costs.

“Have To Ruthlessly Root It Out”: Supreme Court On Use Of Unlicensed Firearms In Country

The matter will be heard next in three weeks.

Case Title: Rajendra Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh