Licensed firearm cannot be used for ‘joy firing’: HC

The Allahabad high court ruled that a licensed firearm cannot be used for 'joy firing' during weddings or religious festivals.

Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery dismissed a petition by Akhilesh Kumar, upholding the cancellation of his arms licence.

Kumar had failed to account for 757 missing cartridges out of 857 purchased, producing only 57 live cartridges and 33 empty shells.

The court stated that an arms licence is a privilege subject to strict statutory compliance, and the petitioner's explanation of use in target practice and festivals did not satisfy authorities.

The cancellation was done under Section 17 of the Arms Act after the licensing authority found clear misuse.