Arms Act 1959 has conferred on the citizen a right to obtain an arms licence for protection of his person or property. The statement of objects and reasons which indicate that the parliament itself is conscious of the fact that terrorists, dacoit gangs or anti-social elements are using all sorts of weapons and unless the rigours of the Arms Act then in force and the Rules made thereunder are relaxed, it would be difficult for the law abiding citizens to possess fire arms for self-defense.
It is an undeniable fact that the present day society is strife torn. Instances of burglary, dacoity, house breaking, robbery etc., are on increase on one hand and anti-social and anti-national elements are on a rampage on the other. A situation may develop in a sudden and unforeseen manner, e.g., a gang of dacoits may suddenly break into the house of a citizen in the dead of the night or a terrorist may try to kill a person or a sudden riot may take place without anyone anticipating even moments before such events taking place.
The State is unable to fully protect the lives of its citizens and more often the Police arrive at the scene after the damage is done only to find out the cause for the occurrence. As a result, the innocent victims are falling prey to the violence unleashed by desperados. It is in this situation that the State should feel the responsibility of
protecting the lives and properties of the citizens by rationally interpreting the provisions of the Act to advance the purpose for which it is made.
Reference: IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE, ANDHRA PRADESH AT HYDERABAD(Special Original Jurisdiction) THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE C.V. NAGARJUNA REDDY + Writ Petition No.21780 of 2009 % Dated: 31-05-2010 # Syed Afzal Mehdi… Petitioner VERSUS $ The State of A.P. rep., by its Principal Secretary, (Home),Secretariat Buildings, Saifabad, Hyderabad & another.… Respondents
Complete Judgment attached.