DM Jammu Orders Strict Compliance with Arms Act, Limits Firearm Possession to Two Guns Per License Holder

JAMMU, Feb 22: In an important move to enforce compliance with national firearm regulations, District Magistrate Jammu Rakesh Minhas has issued a public notice directing all arms license holders in the district to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Arms Act, which limit the possession of firearms to a maximum of two per individual.

The directive refers to Section 3(2) of the Arms Act, 1959, as amended by the Arms Amendment Act, 2019, which clearly states that no person shall acquire, possess, or carry more than two firearms. The amended law was introduced to strengthen firearm regulation and enhance public safety by preventing excessive private armament.

The notice further highlights Section 3(3) of the Act, which mandates that any individual who possessed more than two firearms at the time the amendment came into force must deposit the excess weapons within the legally prescribed period. The administration has now moved to ensure that this provision is fully implemented within District Jammu.

According to the order, scrutiny of official records has revealed that certain arms license holders in the district are currently in possession of more than the permissible limit of two firearms. Based on available data, the district administration has prepared an indicative list of such individuals. Officials clarified that the list is subject to verification and necessary corrections during the review process.

Exercising powers under the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016, the District Magistrate has directed all license holders found to be in possession of more than two firearms, including those named in the list, to produce their original arms licenses before the Judicial Section at the Office of the District Magistrate, Jammu, within ten days. The purpose of this verification exercise is to assess compliance and initiate appropriate action wherever required.

The order makes it clear that license holders must ensure adherence to the statutory limit. In cases where excess firearms are held, the individuals concerned are required to deposit the additional weapons in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Rules. Such deposits must be made under proper receipt, and the Licensing Authority must be duly informed within the stipulated timeframe.

The administration has also issued a clear warning that failure to comply with the directive may invite legal consequences. Proceedings under Section 17 of the Arms Act, 1959, which empowers authorities to suspend or revoke arms licenses, may be initiated against defaulters without any further notice.