How many guns can I own with 1 license?

[nikitagupta2106]

Asking for a friend.

In the state of Manipur, it is a general understanding that only 1 gun is allowed for 1 license. However, as per Arms Act, I believe 2 guns are allowed for 1 license.

My friend spoke to a high-ranking police officer in Manipur and he said "one license one gun" and when asked for a source, "trust me, bro" was the response.

His dad already has a gun license and is renewed till 2024. It does not mention anywhere about the number of guns the license is valid for.

[Chengy]

As per latest regulations you can have two weapons entered on your licence. However, you have to apply for each individually.

[nikitagupta2106]

Thanks. That's the same as getting a new license in that case?

[Vineet]

Actually the rule is that one person can have two weapons on one license. Central government wants it to be like this and therefore they created UIN no. system and said that one person will get one UIN no. only.

But many times State governments don’t listen to Central Government and there is no one in Central Government to check whether the rules are being followed or not.

As per rules Arms licenses should be renewed for five years but in many states (like Madhya Pardesh) they are still being renewed for three years.

[miroflex]

One person can own two licenced firearms in India.

In Uttar Pradesh, a separate Licence Book is issued for each firearm. That is probably true of Manipur also. Confusion arises when the term Licence Book is referred to colloquially as a "Licence". In UP, two Licence Books would be issued to an owner of two licenced firearms.

The intending owner of two firearms would have to apply separately for each firearm and if each application is successful, he or she would Be issued two Licence Books. You can call them two Licences if you like.

[nikitagupta2106]

There used to be a booklet but now, it is just some A4 sheets printed saying it is renewed untill 2024.

In one of the A4 sheets issued by the DC, the gun details are mentioned. However, there's no mention that only 1 gun is allowed. This is confusing.

[miroflex]

Booklet or printed A4 size sheets, up to two arms are allowed to a licencee. The second licence will have to be applied for and may be issued as another set of printouts on A4 size sheets.

[ruger_rugged]

AL in Maharashtra are also being renewed for 3 years.

[nikitagupta2106]

Booklet or printed A4 size sheets, up to two arms are allowed to a licencee. The second licence will have to be applied for and may be issued as another set of printouts on A4 size sheets.

So this second gun license must be applied through the DC's office as usual? What's the procedure?

[miroflex]

You are absolutely right. The same procedure has to followed as in the case of the licence already issued.

[Woods]

Before ascertaining actual position regarding the subject we must bear following points in consideration :

A thing can be done or can't be done , only in accordance of any specific provision of law • Also , it does not take much intelligence to know that if you are willing to spend , the burden of finding an appropriate rule is assumed by the Babus themselves •

Arms rules 2016 have been further amended in 2020 by a notification of central government • The effect of this amendment is - persons holding an arms license for prohibited bore weapons and family heirloom categories can hold maximum of 2 weapons in respective categories and others can hold 3 weapons under one UIN given to the license holder •

See this ••••• https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/202 ... by-centre/

[Anand]

Hello Every one,
Actually, the Arms Act Amendment of 2019, restricted the number of firearms a licensee can hold to two (earlier it was three). These Rules which came subsequently in 2020 were also amended to bring on par with the earlier amended Act.

Neither the Act nor the Rules specify that the restrictions are applicable to inherited firearms or prohibited bore alone. The two firearm limit applies to all firearms for all licensees. The exception to this is if you are an aspiring shooter/renowned shooter/ International Medalist/Arjuna Awaradee (in Shooting) by Exemption in a Gazette Notification. In fact there was confusion as to whether the (now) 3rd firearm, namely .22 Rifle for Target Practice is still allowed for NRAI members.

There is an ongoing case that is set to come up before the end of the month where in a licensee pleaded that the firearms should not be restricted to two as they are private property and that there is no data to show that this restriction is in anyway beneficial in curbing crime or illegal activities.
Regards,
Anand

[Woods]

...... .

Neither the Act nor the Rules specify that the restrictions are applicable to inherited firearms or prohibited bore alone. The two firearm limit applies to all firearms for all licensees. ..........
Anand

Please go through the Amendment , I have shared the link . Theres no confusion at all , in the law on the subject . However there does ecist confusion in Babu minds and surely surely they're above the law most of the time .

[Anand]

Hello Woods,
I have gone through the shared link and the amendment. Could you please highlight the specific points with regard to:

The effect of this amendment is - persons holding an arms license for prohibited bore weapons and family heirloom categories can hold maximum of 2 weapons in respective categories and others can hold 3 weapons under one UIN given to the license holder •

Which specific Rule or part of the Act confirms the above?
Thanks,
Anand

[Vineet]

In fact there was confusion as to whether the (now) 3rd firearm, namely .22 Rifle for Target Practice is still allowed for NRAI members.

Third weapon as .22 rifle is allowed for NRAI members.