Carrying of Original Arms License along with Weapon

[edgaringoa]

The Arms License Booklet (New) issued to me is in extremely frail condition and if carried around in my pocket on a daily basis won't last very long due to the poor quality of the booklet. In view of the same would it be advisable to carry a laminated colored copy duly notarized so that the original License Booklet is preserved in good condition? Would I be in contravention of the Arms Act in case I carried a Notarized copy of the License? Plz advise. Thank you.

[Anand]

There is nothing in the Arms Act 1959 or the Arms Rules 1962 or for that matter in the as yet unapproved by the Parliament ,proposed changes to the Arms Policy, that states that a licensee must carry his license while carrying firearms. In fact the only requirement, is that the license must be provided to the authority asking for it "forthwith" meaning as soon as possible, not necessarily immediately.

The practical reasons for carrying the license, however are that, in case of purchase of ammo, or for transporting in declared checked baggage in an aircraft will require the original license. Also when carrying out side of the normal area of coverage as in All India licenses, it would be less hassle if the original is carried. There is always the chance that the Police or CISF or security personnel can dispute a xerox copy.

If a copy is kept, the onus of providing the original is on you and until that time the authority in question may well confiscate your firearm.

It would do you good to get a duplicate booklet from the LA as soon as possible for the reason you stated above. My father-in-law has a booklet with pages thinner than toilet paper and torn in several places and this was when it was issued new.

One thing I have done is to "laminate" every page in my license book after it is filled. I use normal wide "cello tape" and stick it on. This has to be done carefully or air bubbles can get between the page and tape. Good quality tape must be used or the glue can adversely affect the ink on the page. Also care must be taken to tape only the areas that will have no further changes. For instance, all the columns of arms and ammo details must not be taped so that future changes and additions may be made.

This "lamination" like sticking a plastic sheet on each side of the page and makes the pages substantially durable.

Regards,
Anand

[ebenezer]

Even if the Act or the rule doesn't state that, it is the tendency of our cops to demand the licence 'on the spot'. In such circumstances, it is always advisable to carry the original licence book rather than a copy. If the licence book is in shreds, try to get a duplicate. But then, you will have to surrender the original book.

Regards,
Ebenezer

[edgaringoa]

Thanks Anand & Ebenezer for your respected advice.

[veeveeaar]

How about a SMART CARD LICENCE and a BAR CODE FAST ADHESIVE STRIP and COLOR CODE for type of weapon stuck on the firearm that can do away with all these headaches at an airport or any security check, this is foolproof. WHY CAN THE MHA WISE GUYS THINK OF SUCH INNOVATIONS. I also want NAGRI to suggest such innovations

[goodboy_mentor]

MHA bureaucrats can only think of creating more and more problems to increase their power. Coorgs in Kaduga district of Kanataka do not need a "license" to keep firearms, why can't all the citizens be treated equally like them and the requirement of "license" be done away for all?

"The only good bureaucrat is one with a pistol at his head. Put it in his hand and it's good-by to the Bill of Rights." - H.L. Mencken

[nagarifle]

nice idea Anand, yes the chaps at the MHA [not all who deem themselves]are above the law and mock at reason. or it would seem to appear, so far, they have not come up with anything to admire.

still there is hope, but not in my life time.

[edgaringoa]

Smart card type seems the best option with all relevant info including any violations.Wont cost them and us much anyway.

[goodboy_mentor]

Buy asking for smart card like licensing we are indirectly supporting the creation of databases(one undesirable result of such database is highlighted at http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12138). All this creation, maintainence of databases etc. certainly also means wastage of a lot of public money. Rather than suggesting smart card and the like, we should be suggesting removal of licensing altogether. I consider smart card type licenses etc., a move in negative direction, rather a trap for further harassment and becoming like a bird in cage. Instead we should be demanding freedom from licensing altogether because licensing in any manner does not help check crime. Government is wasting public money on things that do not help checking crime in any way. Can government prove that licensing has helped check crime? In many countries licensing, databases etc. has been done away since they are a complete waste of public money. That money can be better spent elsewhere like employing more policemen etc. Criminals are not lining up at licensing authorities. If criminals do not get "legal" weapons they get hold of "illegal" weapons. It does not make any difference to victims of crime whether they are assaulted with "legal" or "illegal" arms.