WHY DO I HAVE TO GO TO THE SSP?

[kushgrewal]

Hello fellow members.
Recently when poking around the DC office i encountered an old friend who happens to work over there. On telling him that i was there to apply for an arms licence, he told me that already over 150 new licences were in the waiting. So his obvious tip was for me to wait some time till some of these waiting licences were cleared.
The other thing that he told me was that if i do apply at any time then not only would the i have an interview with the DC but also with the SSP of the city.
He warned me that if for any reason the SSP declines my request for a licence then it would automatically get rejected in the DC office.
Now i have 2 questions?
1. Why will i have to go to the SSP.
2. Does the police department have any other role except for checking my background?
Already thanking you guys in advance.

[SYED833]

It is general practice all over india that if the sp rejects,then the DM will do the same.
It is also general practice that the sp calls you over for a interview, and in most cases the DM will do the same.
When going to either of them, go in prepared for questions like why do u need a licence? what threat do you have against you,what is your income? These are things they should not ask according to law,but they will.so,be ready with answers.
I dont think there is any other role for police than to check up your background,but they will go much beyond there breif and ask you all sorts of questions.
good luck.and keep posting.
regards.
syed.

[StampMaster]

SSP plays major role in the process mainly verification. Once the verification report is received by the SP office, DSP/SP signatures are required for clearance (which is 80% of your work). The remaining 20% is the DM interview, sometimes it would just end up in a visit (mine was so).

I would recommend to be prepared for both in regards to income, need for arms, existing membership associations/certificate etc.

All the best

[miroflex]

Dear Kush Grewal,

I would advise you to apply for an arms licence immediately, without waiting for the pending applications to be cleared. The sooner you join the line of applicants the earlier your application will be processed.

Waiting for the pending applications to be cleared will prove to be an endless process as more and more applications will be received while the pending applications are being processed and cleared.

Best of luck in your search for a licence.

[Kittu]

hi khushgrewal
No way a ssp have the power to reject your application after it has clearead from local police station.i agree with fellow members he will not call you officially but in eagerness of possing a firearm licence you wil go there and request ssp to farward applicationtion to LCA.this is just like a imperial durbaar of india where you are treated just as a subject thqnks

[kushgrewal]

A big thanks to all .
I have somme other questions as well.
Is it absolutely necessary that i should have a valid reason like threat to my life? The reason for this question arises from the fact that i have never been involved in any disputes and have no threat to my life from anyone in particular . My sole reason for a licence is general safety i.e. from thieves,robbers etc as it has happened with a couple of times that my car has broken down down and i have been stuck in the middle of nowhere.
The other question is that does my age have any effect on my application? People tend to be of the opinion that me being so young do not need a weapon. But i think otherwise. The criminals dont take age into matter. Do they?

[kushgrewal]

Dear Kush Grewal,

I would advise you to apply for an arms licence immediately, without waiting for the pending applications to be cleared. The sooner you join the line of applicants the earlier your application will be processed.

Waiting for the pending applications to be cleared will prove to be an endless process as more and more applications will be received while the pending applications are being processed and cleared.

Best of luck in your search for a licence.

Miroflex i will surely apply for a licence within this month. Just waiting to get all the information right so that i can tackle thos bearucrats.

[goodboy_mentor]

Why will i have to go to the SSP.

During insurgency in Punjab, the police was allowed to practically be above the law and the Constitution. It is remnant of those times. Unfortunately the Police in some other States may also have started copying this type of high handed, illegal behavior to discourage and harass the citizens.

Does the police department have any other role except for checking my background?

Their only legal role is to search for any criminal records with them on the applicant. Rest is all their creation to discourage and harass the arms license holders.

Is it absolutely necessary that i should have a valid reason like threat to my life?

No threat is not at all required under Arms Act 1959. Getting an arms license is a matter of your right. For details please search the legal eagle section of this forum.

My sole reason for a licence is general safety i.e. from thieves,robbers etc

The reason is good enough. Under Arms Act 1959 it is called "self protection".

The other question is that does my age have any effect on my application?

As per Arms Act 1959 a person of twenty one years or above can get an arms license provide he does not offend Sections 9 or 14 of the Arms Act 1959.

[StampMaster]

As mentioned by fellow members...

Be prepared to answer the questions accordingly o your needs to.. If you are looking for a handgun, then justify for it. Else you most probably end up getting a license for shotgun.

My SSP was very friendly, he actually asked why not a handgun? What I've got (.22 rifle) in a way solves my need.

[kushgrewal]

A big thanks to all the members.
Going to apply for the licence next week.
Hope for the best.

[nagarifle]

the police job is to check and confirm criminal records, and not the reason for arms license. or what the police think, one can just ask for criminal record /no criminal record/charactor record.etc