Specific Sections in Arms Act 1958 and Arms Rules 1962

[swordlover]

I have learnt through this forum and other informal sources that following types of knives is classified as an arms and thus needs a license:

1. All knives/tools/weapons etc that have a blade length of more than 9 inches "OR" wider than 2 inches.
2. Any type of knives that have springs to open them up.

Now, while going across the arms act and rules I did come across the text that supports the first point. It can be seen in Schedule 2 of the Indian Arms Rules 1962 - http://www.abhijeetsingh.com/arms/india ... ule_I.html

However, I am unable to find any text that supports the second type of knives. If anyone can point me to the correct section/subsection that clarifies the position on spring actuated knives it would be great.

Also, in spring actuated knives there are several types like the switch blade that open on the press of a button and assisted opening where you begin the action by pulling a trigger and then the spring takes over. I also want to know if only the switch blade are banned or do all other types are also banned.

[goodboy_mentor]

1. For knives less 9 inches or wider less than 2 inches can also cause problems if there is notification issued under Section 4 of Arms Act 1959 declaring them to be illegal without license.

2. For knives that have springs to open them up, check if there is such notification issued under Section 4 of Arms Act 1959 in your area.

In short forget about these two points. Do an RTI with Home Department of your State to get copies of all the notifications issued under Section 4 of Arms Act 1959 that are in force. Read them to understand what they say. Only then decide what is legal and illegal without license for your area.

[swordlover]

Dear goodboy_mentor

Thanks for your reply.

We did in fact file an RTI in Uttarakhand and what we received was a copy of the Indian arms act and rules and a reply to go through it to. Typical I guess !

Also if I understand correctly from what you are saying - besides these two categories other types may also be banned which could only be known from a state's notifications. Now is there any other way besides filing an RTI or depending on the govt folks of knowing all these notifications under the arms act/rules?

[goodboy_mentor]

We did in fact file an RTI in Uttarakhand and what we received was a copy of the Indian arms act and rules and a reply to go through it to. Typical I guess !

Did you ask for copies of notifications issued under Section 4 of Arms Act 1959 that are in force? If yes then you can appeal and ask for proper information. Otherwise send another RTI with proper and specific question.

Also if I understand correctly from what you are saying - besides these two categories other types may also be banned which could only be known from a state's notifications. Now is there any other way besides filing an RTI or depending on the govt folks of knowing all these notifications under the arms act/rules?

No you have not understood it correct. These two categories mean nothing by themselves. The linchpin is the notification issued under Section 4 of Arms Act 1959. If no notification issued or it is withdrawn then nothing to worry. If notification is in force then read the notification, understand what it says and do the needful.

The notifications are published in official gazettes by respective ministries of government. One way is search each and every gazette of state government beginning from when Arms Act 1959 came into force. Other way is to simply RTI that ministry and get copies of the notifications in force today.

Related matter is also discussed in the following thread http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=16750