Source: http://peractolegal.com/the-arms-act-1959/
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 20:45:22+00:00

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(1) This Act may be called the Arms Act, 1959.
(2). It extends to the whole of India.
(3). It shall come into force on such date [ Note: 1st October, 1962, vide Notification No. G.S.R. 992, dated 13-7-1962, see Gazette of India, Pt. II, sec. 3(i) p. 1092. ] as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
1. Came into force on 1-10-1962 vide G.S.R. 992, dated 13th July, 1962.
(k) “transfer” with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, includes letting on hire, lending, giving and parting with possession.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the length of the barrel of a firearm shall be measured from the muzzle to the point at which the charge is exploded on firing.
(3) Any reference in the Act to any law which is not in force in any area shall, in relation to that area, be construed as a reference to the corresponding law, if any, in force in that area.
(4) Any reference in this Act to any officer or authority shall, in relation to any area in which there is no officer or authority with the same designation, be construed as a reference to such officer or authority as may be specified by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
1. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, sec. 2, for “and other like missiles” (w.r.e.f. 27-5-1988).
2. Subs. by Act 55 of 1971, sec. 2, for clause (d) (w.e.f. 13-12-1971).
3. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 2 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 42 of 1988, sec. 2 (w.r.e.f. 27-5-1988).
Provided that a person may, without himself holding a licence carry any firearms or ammunition in the presence, or under the written authority, of the holder of the licence for repair or for renewal of the licence or for use by such holder.
Provided that a person who has in his possession more firearms than three at the commencement of the Arms (Amendment) Act, 1983, may retain with him any three of such firearms and shall deposit, within ninety days from such, commencement the remaining firearms with the officer in charge of the nearest police station or, subject to the conditions prescribed for the purposes of sub-section(1) of section 21, with a licensed dealer or, where such person is a member of the armed forces of the Union, in a unit armoury referred to in that sub-section.
(3) Nothing contained in sub-section (2) shall apply to any dealer in firearms or to any member of a rifle club or rifle association licensed or recognised by the Central Government using a point 22 bore rifle or an air rifle for target practice.
1. Section 3 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 3 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 3 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-19830).
*. 22nd day of June, 1983.
If the Central Government is of opinion that having regard to the circumstances prevailing in any area it is necessary or expedient in the public interest that the acquisition, possession or carrying of arms other than firearms should also be regulated, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that this section shall apply to the area specified in the notification and thereupon no person shall acquire, have in his possession or carry in that area arms of such class or description as may be specified in that notification unless he holds in this behalf a licence issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made there under.
Lead in the ‘raw shape/form’ i.e. when used for industrial or manufacturing purposes, is excluded from the ambit of this provision. But if it takes the shape / form of a finished product like bullet or even empty cartridges, it comes under the definition of ‘ammunition’. However, lead in the form of a finished product like pencil is also excluded for such purposes.
1. Section 5 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 4 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, sec. 3, for “manufacture” (w.r.e.f. 27-5-1988).
3. Proviso omitted by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 4 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 4 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
No person shall shorten the barrel of a firearm or convert an imitation firearm into a firearm unless he holds in this behalf a licence issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made there under.
Explanation – In this section, the expression ‘imitation firearms” means anything which has the appearance of being a firearm, whether it is capable of discharging any shot, bullet or other missile or not.
1. Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, sec. 4, for “manufacture” (w.r.e.f. 27-5-1988).
(1) No person, shall obliterate, remove, alter or forge any name, number or other identification mark stamped or otherwise shown on a firearm.
Provided that in relation to a person who has in his possession at the commencement of this Act any firearms without such name, number or other identification mark stamped or otherwise shown thereon, the provisions of this sub-section shall not take effect until after the expiration of one year from such commencement.
(iii) Who has been ordered to execute under Chapter VIII of the3 Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2of 1974)] a bond for keeping the peace or for good behavior, at any time during the term of the bond.
(ii) To be of unsound mind at the time of such sale or transfer, or such conversion, repair, test of proof.
Provided that different age –limits may be prescribed in relation to different types of firearms.
1. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 5, for “sixteen years” (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 5, for “a term of not less than six months” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
3. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 5, for “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898)” (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
(b) a person being a bona fide tourist belonging to any such country as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, who is not prohibited by the laws of that country from having in his possession any arms or ammunition, may, without a licence under this section but in accordance with such conditions as may be prescribed, bring with him into India arms and ammunition in reasonable quantities for use by him for purposes only of sport and for no other purpose.
Explanation-For purpose of clause (b) of this proviso, word “tourist” means a person who not being a citizen of India visits India for a period not exceeding six months with no other object than recreation, sight-seeing, or participation in a representative capacity in meetings convened by the Central Government or in international conferences, associations or other bodies.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the proviso to subsection (1) where the collector of customs or any other officer empowered by the Central Government in this behalf has any doubt as to the applicability of clause (a) or clause (b) of that proviso to any person who claims that such clause is applicable to him or as to the reasonableness of the quantities of arms or ammunition in the possession of any person referred to in such clause, or as to the use to which such arms or ammunition in the possession of such person until he receives the orders of the Central Government in relation thereto.
1. Subs. by Act 22 of 1995, sec. 89, for “Collector of Customs” (w.e.f. 26-5-1995).
The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette prohibit the bringing into, or the taking out of, India, arms or ammunition of such classes and descriptions as may be specified in the notification.
(b) Prohibit such transport altogether.
(1) An application for the grant of a licence under Chapter II shall be made to the licensing authority and shall be in such form, contain such particulars and be accompanied by such fee, if any, as may be prescribed.
(2) [ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 6 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] On receipt of an application, the licensing authority shall call for the report of the officer in charge of the nearest police station on that application, and such officer shall send his report within the prescribed time.
(2A) The licensing authority, after such inquiry, if any, as it may, consider necessary, and after considering the report received under sub-section(2), shall, subject to the other provisions of this Chapter, by order in writing either grant the licence or refuse to grant the same.
Provided that where the officer in charge of the nearest police station does not send his report on the application within the prescribed time, the licensing authority may, if it deem fit, make such order, after the expiry of the prescribed time, without further waiting for the report].
(b) A licence under section 3 in any other case or licence under section 4, section 5, section 6, section 10 or section 12, if the licensing authority is satisfied that the person by whom the licence is required has a good reason for obtaining the same.
(i) As far as the power and discretion of the licensing authority, which includes the Government, is concerned in respect of arms under the general category, it may grant or refuse the licence, even if the procedural nuisances have been fully adhered to [Kapildeo Singh v. State of Bihar & Ors; AIR 1987 Pat. 122(125)].
(ii) For a ‘licensing authority’ as defined u/s 2(f), it is obligatory to grant a licence in an Indian citizen applies for it for the reason of his protection. In that case, refusal to grant it will be unjustified & unsustainable, provided the applicant has duly justified the reason and adhered to the procedures/conditions as laid down in this regard [Ram Khelawan Misra v. State of U.P. & Anr; AIR 1982 All. 283 (284,2850].
(iii) Although there is hardly any provision in the Act or the Rules specifying any time-frame as such, but if an application for a licence for a non-prohibited arm is not disposed of within three (3) months, it will be deemed to have been allowed after the expiry of such a time –frame. The point is to make the licensing authority realise that they can not prolong or linger-on the disposal of such application (s) at their own sweet will [Ganesh Chandra Bhatt v. Distt. Magistrate, Almora &Ors. AIR 1993 ALL. 291].
urity of the public peace or for public safety to refuse to grant such licence.
(ii) Under this provision, ‘public peace’ and ‘public safety’ do not imply a stray or an ordinary disturbance of law & order. The licence can be cancelled, suspended or refused on its renewal on the grounds of disturbance or breach of law & order of such a ‘magnitude’ which cannot be ignored as just a stray or an ordinary one. It also depends on the apprehended or actual repercussions [Ganesh Chandra Bhatt v. Distt. Magistrate, Almora & Ors. AIR 1993 All.291].
(iii) As regards the Arms Act, 1959, organic interpretation of its provisions facilitates proper consideration of the right to self defence, present social conditions & correct interpretation of the Constitution so as not to render the statutes/ provisions unconstitutional. In this context, the licence for non-prohibited arm shall be ordinarily allowed with an exception in case of hardened criminals or those involved in horrendous crimes, while the licence for prohibited arms shall not be ordinarily allowed [Ganesh Chandra Bhatt v. Distt. Magistrate, Almora & Ors., 1993 All 291]. (iv) Merely on the ground (s) of implication in petty crime (s) or on the basis of a false F.I.R., the arms licence shall/ cannot be cancelled’/ suspended, for it may be a senile ploy’ to deprive the licence holder of his licensed weapon and disarm him so as to endanger his life. Hence, in such examination of all relevant facts in an essential pre-requisite before cancellation/ suspension of any licence [Ganesh Chandra Bhatt v. Distt. Magistrate, Almora & Ors. AIR 1993 All.291].
(2) A licence under any other provision of Chapter II shall, unless revoked earlier, continue in force for such period from the dare on which it is granted as the licensing authority may in each case determine.
(3) Every licence shall, unless the licensing authority for reasons to be recorded in writing otherwise decides in any case, be renewable for the same period for which the licence was originally granted and shall be so renewable from time to time, and the provisions of section 13 and 14 shall apply to the renewal of a licence as they apply to the grant thereof.
(1) The licensing authority may very the conditions subject to which a licence has been granted except such of them as have been prescribed and may for that purpose require the licence holder by notice in writing to deliver-up the licence to it within such time as may be specified in the notice.
(e) if the holder of the licence has failed to comply with a notice under sub-section (1) requiring him to deliver-up the licence.
(5) Where the licensing authority makes an order varying a licence under sub-section (1) or an order suspending or revoking a licence under sub-section (3), it shall record in writing the reasons therefor and furnish tot he holder of the licence on demand a brief statement of the same unless in any case the licensing authority is of the opinion that it will not be in the public interest to furnish such statement.
(6) The authority to whom the licensing authority is subordinate may by order in writing suspend for revoke a licence on any ground on which it may be suspended or revoked by the licensing authority; and the foregoing provisions of this section shall, as far as may be, apply in relation to the suspension or revocation of a licence by such authority.
(i) A licence holder must be given an opportunity of hearing before revocation/suspension of his/her licence. If due to some unavoidable reasons, revocation/ suspension of the arms licence is ordered, it is an obligation on the part of the licencing authority [as u/s2 (f) ] to allow a post-decisional hearing [Kailash Nath v. State of U.P.; AIR 1985 All. 291 (297, 300)].
(ii) However, if it becomes quite apparent to the licensing authority that the possession of arms by the licencee is going to disturb or endanger ‘public peace & safety’, it can straightway and without any further enquiry, revok/suspend such licence. But if the danger is not ‘apparently immediate’ and the licensing authority proceed for further enquiry into the full facts, then it can’t done unless & until, the licensing authority is completely satisfied with its enquiry [Chhanga Prasad Sahu v. State of U.P. & Ors ; AIR . 142 (149)].
(iii) One of the reasons inviting suspension/ revocation of the arms licence can be like, getting proceeded against in a criminal/capital offence [Kapildeo Singh v. State of Bihar.
(iv) The power & jurisdiction of the licensing authority to initiate cancellation of licence’ proceedings, has been vested with the A.D.M. [Lakhan Singh v. Commissioner, Jhansi Div; Jhansi & Ors; AIR 1984 All. 122 (123)].
(v) Before passing an order in writing, the licensing authority must duly record the necessary reasons and if not against the’ public interest’, shall disclose to the licence holder on demand, all such reasons [Anil Kumar Bhunia etc., Petitioners v. UOI & Ors; Respondents; AIR 1982 NOC 198 (Cal.)].
Provided that an appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the period prescribed therefore if the appellant satisfies the appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period.
(3) The period prescribed for an appeal shall be computer in accordance with the provision of the Indian Limitation Act, 1908 (9 of 1908), with respect to the computation of periods of limitation there under .
(4) Every appeal under this section shall be made by a petition in writing ahs shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the reasons for the order appealed against where such statement has been furnished to the appellant and by such fee as may be prescribed.
When an order for revocation or suspension of the arms licence is ‘issued’, the limitation period for filing an appeal well-in-time is “thirty days from the date of ‘service’ of such an order” [Chhatrapal v. The Collector, Fatephur & Anr; AIR 1989 All. 73f (75)].
19. Power to demand production of licence, etc.
(2) If the person upon whom a demand is made refuses for fails to produce the licence or to show that he is entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time being in force to carry such arms or ammunition without a licence, the officer concerned may require him to give his name and address and if such officer considers it necessary, seize from t hat person the arms or ammunition which he is carrying.
Where any person found carrying or conveying any arms or ammunition whether covered by a licence or not, in such manner or under such circumstances as to afford just grounds of suspicion that the same are or is being carried by him with intent to use them, or that the same may be used, for any unlawful purpose any magistrate, any police officer or any other public officer or any other public servant or any person employed or working, upon a railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle or any other means of conveyance, may arrest him without warrant and seize from him such arms or ammunition.
(1) Any person having in his possession any arms or ammunition the possession whereof has, in consequence of the expiration of the duration of a licence or of the suspension or revocation of a licence or by the issue of a notification under section 4 or by any reason whatever, ceased to be lawful, shall without unnecessary delay deposit the same either with the officer in charge of the nearest police station or subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, with a licensed dealer or where such person is a member of the armed force of the Union, in a unit armory.
Explanation –In this sub-section “unitarmoury” includes and armory in a ship or establishment of the Indian Navy.
Provided that nothing in this sub-section be deemed to authorise the return or disposal of anything of which confiscation has been directed under section 32.
(4) Before making an order sub-section (3) the district magistrate shall by notice in writing to be served upon the depositor or in the case of his death, upon his legal representative, in the prescribed manner, require him to show cause within thirty days from the service of the notice why the things specified in the notice should not be forfeited.
(5) After considering the cause, if any, shown by the depositor or as the case may be, his legal representative, district magistrate shall pass such order as he thinks fit.
(6) The Government may any time return to the depositor or his legal representative things forfeited to it or the proceeds of disposal thereof wholly or in part.
(b) That such person cannot be left in the possession of any arms or ammunition without danger to the public peace or safety, the magistrate may, after having recorded the reasons for his belief, cause a search to be made of the house or premises occupied by such arms or ammunition are or is to be found and may have such arms or ammunition, if any, seized and detain the same in sate custody for such period as he thinks necessary, although that person may be entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time being in force to have the same in his possession.
(2) Every search under this section shall be conducted by or in the presence of a magistrate or by or in the presence of some officer specially empowered in this behalf by the Central Government.
23. Search of vessels, vehicles for arms, etc.
Any magistrate, any police officer or any other officer specially empowered in this behalf by the Central Government, may for the purpose of ascertaining whether any contravention of this Act or the rules made there under is being or is likely to be committed, stop and search any vessel, vehicle or other means of conveyance and seize any arms or ammunition that may be found therein along with such vessel, vehicle or other means of conveyance.
The Central Government may at any time order the seizure of any arms or ammunition in the possession of any person, notwithstanding that such person is entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time being in force to have the same in his possession, any may detain the same for such period as it thinks necessary for the public peace and safety.
(ii) To seize at any time during the period specified in the notification any notified arms in the possession of any person in such area or discovered through a search under sub-clause (I), and detain the same during the period specified in the notification.
(2) The period specified in a notification issued under sub-section (1) in respect of any area shall not, in the first instance, exceed ninety days, but in the Central Government may amend such notification to extend such period from time to time by any period not exceeding ninety days at any one time if, in the opinion of that Government, there continues to be in such area such disturbance of public peace and tranquility as if referred to in sub-section (1) or imminent danger thereof and that for the prevention of offences involving the sue of arms in such area it is necessary or expedient so to do.
(3) The provision of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), relating to searches and seizures shall, so far as may be, apply to any search or seizure made under sub-section.-(1).
(b) Where the period specified in a notification, as originally issued under sub-section (1), is extended under sub-section (2), then, in relation to such notification, reference in sub-section (1) to “the period of specified in the notification” shall be construed as references to the period as so extended.
(ii) To seize at any time during the period specified in the notification any notified arms being carried by or otherwise in the possession of any person, through a search under such-clause (I), and detain the same during the period specified in the notification.
(2) The period specified in a notification issued under sub-section (1) in respect of any area shall not, in the first instance, exceed ninety days, but the Central Government may amend such notification to extend such period from time to time by any period not exceeding ninety days at any one time if, in the opinion of that Government, there continues to be in such area such disturbance of public peace and tranquility as is referred to in sub-section (1) or imminent danger thereof and that for the prevention of offences involving the use of arms in such area it is necessary or expedient so to do.
(d) Bring into, or takes out of India, any arms or ammunition of any class or description in contravention of section 11, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
[ (1A) [ Note: Renumbered and Ins. by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-1988) 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 five years, but which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.
[(1AAA)] [ Note: Renumbered and Ins. by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-1988) Whoever has in contravention of a notification issued under section 24A in his possession or in contravention of a notification issued under section 24B carries or otherwise has in his possession, any arms or ammunition shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term whish shall not be less than [ [Note: Subs. by Act 39 of 1985, s. 2 for certain words.] three years, but which may extend to seven years] shall also be liable to fine.
(IC) [ Note : Ins. by s. 2, ibid.] Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1B), whoever commits an offence punishable under that sub-section in any disturbed are shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever being a person to whom sub-clause (I) of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 9 applies, acquires, has in his possession or carries any firearm or ammunition in contravention of that section shall be punishable with imprisonment for term which may extend to one year, or with fine or with both.
(ii) Before the expiration of the period of forty five days from the date of giving such information to such district magistrate or the officer in charge of the police station.
In contravention of the provisions of clause (a) or clause (b) of the proviso to sub-section (2) of section 5, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both].
(5) Whoever, when required under section 19 to give his name and address, rupees, refuses to give such name and address to gives a name or address which subsequently transpires to be false shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine of an amount which may extend to two hundred rupees, or with both.
(i) Cancellation of licence on the ground of temporary charge or custody of the gun by another when the licencee had excused himself from the scene for easing purposes, is illegal & bad in law, as this does not amount to violation of any condition of the Act [Hardeo Narayan Singh v. State of Bihar & Ors; AIR 1985 Pat. 3(5)].
(ii) Since the participation of the accused and the use of any arm or weapon in the crime could not be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’, he was acquitted of the charges of murder and his conviction u/s 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, was also set aside [Bishan Singh & Ors v. State of Punjab; AIR 1983 SC 748].
(iii) It is improper and held to be ‘unsafe’ to convict a person merely on the ground (s) or basis of an ‘uncorroborated evidence’ as to the alleged recovery of arms & ammunition at the instance of the respondent [State of Punjab, Appellant v. Gurnam Singh, Respondent; AIR 1984 SC 1799 (1)].
(iv) In a recent case, the appellant was convicted u/s 5 of TADA, 1987 read with Sec. 25 of the Arms Act, 1959, as a result of seizure of one pistol of 9 mm bore along with 60 live cartridges from his custody. However, there were certain lacunae like, the cartridges were not at all sent for the mechanical ‘test’ apart from an unexplained delay of more than two months in sending the pistol for the same test. There was also some worth-noticing ‘incompatibility and contradiction’ between the statements of different PW’s in regard to sending of pistol in a sealed parcel, and also as to the side of the entrance to the place of the recovery. Moreover, of all PW’s, not a single ‘independent’ witness was present during the time of search & seizure of one pistol & 60 live cartridges. All these lacunae and contradictions gave a picture of ‘made-out’ or ‘blown-out-of-proportion’ type of case. Hence, the conviction & sentence of the appellant was set aside and the appeal allowed [Kartar Singh, Appellant v. State of Punjab, Respondent ;AIR 1993 SC 341].
[ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s.9 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] (1) Whoever does any act in contravention of any of the provisions of section 3,4,10 or 12 in such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known to any public servant or to any person employed or working upon a railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle or any other means or conveyance, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to seven years and also with fine.
(2) Whoever does any act in contravention of any of the provisions of section 5,6,7 or 11 in such manner as to indicate an intention that such act may not be known to any public servant or to any person employed or working upon a railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle or any other means of conveyance, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not less than five years but which may extend to ten years and also with fine.
(3 ) Whoever on any search being made under section 22 conceals or attempts to conceal any arms or ammunition, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years and also with fine.
[ Note: Subs. by Act 42 of 1988, s. 6 (w.e.f. 27-5-1988) ] (1) Whoever uses any arms or ammunition in contravention of section 5 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.
When the lower Courts have been convinced ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ by the PW’s statement that the deceased died because of being fired upon by the accused, the conviction by such Courts is not bad in law and the reliance on PW need not be proved again [Hare Krishna Singh & Ors. v. State of Bihar; AIR 1988 SC 863].
Whoever makes or attempts to make any use whatsoever or a firearm or an imitation firearm with intent to resist or prevent the lawful arrest or detention of himself or any other person shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years [ [ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 10 (w.e.f 22-6-1983). ] and with fine].
Explanation-In this section the expression “imitation firearm” has the same meaning as in section 6.
(b) Delivers any arms or ammunition into the possession of another person is entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time being in force to have, and is not prohibited by this Act or such other law from having, in his possession the same, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to[ [ Note: Subs. by s. 11, ibid., (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] three years, or with fine, or with both].
Whoever contravenes any condition of a licence or any provision of this Act or any rule made there under, for which no punishment is porvide4d elsewhere in this Act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to [ [ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 12 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] six months], or with fine which may extend to [ [ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 12 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) two thousand] rupees, or with both.
Whoever having been convicted of an offence under this Act is again convicted of an offence under this Act shall be punishable with double the penalty provided for the letter offence.
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any punishment under this Act if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge and that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such office.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer or the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
Notwithstanding anything contained in the [ [ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 13 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] Customs Act, 1962, (52 of 1962)] no arms or ammunition shall be deposited in any warehouse licensed under [[ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 13 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] section 58] of that Act without the sanction of the Central Government.
Where any arms or ammunition in respect of which any offences under this Act has been or is being committed are or is found in any premises, vehicle or other place in the joint occupation or under the joint control of several persons, each of such persons in respect of whom there is reason to believe that he was aware of the existence of the arms or ammunition in the premises, vehicle or other place shall, unless the contrary is proved, be liable for that offence in the same manner as if it has been or is being committed by him alone.
(1) Every person aware of the commission of any offence under this Act shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse the burden of proving which shall lie upon such person, give information of the same to the officer in charge of the nearest police station or the magistrate having jurisdiction.
(2) Every person employed or working upon any railway, aircraft, vessel, vehicle or other means of conveyance shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse the burden of proving which shall, in the absence of reasonable excuse the burden of proving which shall lie upon such person, give information to the officer in charge of the nearest police station regarding any box, package or bale in transit which he may have reason to suspect contains arms or ammunition in respect of which an offence under this Act has been or is being committed.
(ii) Should that person fail to execute the bond and to furnish, if so required, sufficient sureties, produce that person and those things without delay before the magistrate.
Every offence under this Act shall be cognizable within the meaning of the [ [ Note: Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 14 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983) ] Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)].
No prosecution shall be instituted against any person in respect of any offence under section 3 without the previous sanction of the district magistrate.
(b) As often as may be, cancel any such notification and again the subject, by a like notification, the person or class or persons or the description of arms and ammunition or the part of India to the operation of such provisions.
(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct a census to be taken of all firearms in any area and empower any officer of Government to take such census.
(b) Such State Government or such officer or authority subordinate to the State Government as may be specified in the notification.
(l) The conditions subject to which arms or ammunition may be deposited with a licensed dealer or in a unit armory as required by sub-section (1) of section 21 and the period on the expiry of which the things so deposited may be forfeited.
(m) Any other matter is to be, or may be, prescribed.
(3) Every rule made under this section shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made before each house of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in 2two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid] ; both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.
1. Ins. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 16 (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, sec. 16, for certain words (w.r.e.f. 22-6-1983).
(iii) By a member of the National Cadet Corps raised and maintained under the National Cadet Corps Act, 1948 (31 of 1948), or by any officer, enrolled person of the Territorial Army raised and maintained under the Territorial Army Act, 1948 (56 of 1948) or by any member of any other forces raised and maintained or that may hereafter be raised and maintained under any Central Act, or by any member of such other forces as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify, in the course of his duty as such member, officer or enrolled persons.
(d) The acquisition, possession or carrying by a person of minor parts of arms or ammunition which are not intended to be used along with complementary parts acquired or possessed by that or any other person.
(1) The Indian Arms Act, 1878, is hereby repealed.

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