Government to Ammend Arms Act

Government to Ammend Arms Act

The new draft mentions different punishments for arms smuggling, smuggling of components used in the manufacture of weapons, organized crime and Harsh firing etc.

The Central government has started preparations to Crack down on Illegal weapons. The new law, proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, provides for a life sentence if convicted in such a case. According to the draft of the Arms (Amendment) Bill, those possessing 3 licensed weapons will also have to submit their third weapon to the authorities. Currently, one person is allowed to have a maximum of 3 licensed weapons.

The new draft mentions different punishments for arms smuggling, smuggling of components used in the manufacture of weapons, organized crime and Harsh firing etc. According to a Home Ministry official, the government plans to provide double the punishment in cases of arms act. Another official said, 'We will try to introduce the amendment bill in the winter session of Parliament. But if it cannot be done at that time, then we will present it in the next budget session.

The Government is set to make changes in section 25 (1AA) of the Arms Act, 1959. In such cases, the draft has been made to change the sentence of 14 years of imprisonment to life imprisonment and the minimum sentence for 14 years. According to current law, the minimum sentence is 7 years and the maximum is 14 years. According to an estimate there are a total of 35 lakh licensed weapons in India. Uttar Pradesh has 13 lakh licensed weapons, while Jammu and Kashmir has 3.7 lakh licensed weapons. Punjab is at number three in this list with 3.6 lakh licenses.

The proposed amendments categorize the illegal import of guns and their parts and their sale and purchase as illegal trade. According to the proposed amendment, only players will be able to keep a third gun. Provided that their participation in shooting (sports) at national or international level has been recognized by the Central Government in the last two years. The Home Ministry has discussed the proposed amendments with home secretaries and police chiefs of several states.

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