<![CDATA[The Central Government got tougher with laws relating to firearms by bringing in to force on July 15 Arms Rules 2016. The Union home ministry brought into force the act through a gazette notification that not only make getting a firearm licence under the existing Indian Arms Act of 1959 more difficult but also bring air rifles, blank firing guns (which are mostly used by the film industry), certain types of battery-powered batons that deliver electric shock and even paintball guns used in games under the ambit of licence. Gun owners, dealers and manufacturers of air guns have reacted with shock ever since the law was brought. Members of gun dealers’ associations in several states have said that they may move court. So far no licence was required to own Air Guns and Air Rifles and even toy shops could sell these, but not anymore, the new rules say manufacturing and selling air rifles will require specific licence under the Arms Act. Moreover licence will be required for any air rifle generating more than 20 joules of energy. Though air rifles of .177 caliber — this is standard caliber or bore for all national and international competitions — will not require licence, the restriction on energy (20 joules) will apply to these as well. Air rifles of bigger caliber such as .22 (5.5 mm) will be brought under licence regime and restriction on energy will apply. Reacting the new rule, Ravi Ahuja, general secretary, All India Arms Dealers’ Welfare Council said, ‘’These air weapons are used for target practice and families have owned air guns without licence since 1947, the government should amend the rules”. Though the new rules have made certain category of firearms and ammunition eligible for possession by civilians, getting a gun licence is going to be more difficult, feel gun rights activists. “The laws on inheritance are more difficult. Licence for acquisition, possession, carry or use of arms and ammunition will be issued to applicants for theatrical performances and rehearsals for such performances, production of films, production of television programmes, historical re-enactments, signaling for starting races or athletic meets says section 42 of the Rules. Possession and use of any blank firing gun will require a licence from now on. Section 46 of the Rules says the owner or occupant of a property may submit an application to have the premises declared a ‘Firearm Free Zone,’ stating reasons and giving proof of capability to maintain the restriction. ]]>
