NEW DELHI: The Arms (Amendment) Bill, which makes provision that a person can have a maximum of two firearms, as against the present norm of three, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The bill was introduced by Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishen Reddy.
As per the bill, the government proposes to amend Section 25 (1AA) of the Arms Act, 1959, to give punishment from the usual life term of 14 years to “imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s life” for manufacturing, selling, repairing and possessing “prohibited” arms.
The draft law says those who own more than two firearms will have to deposit the third one with authorities or authorised gun dealers within 90 days for de-licensing.
The bill defines new offences, prescribing punishment for them, such as for taking away firearms from police or armed forces, involvement in organised crime syndicate, illicit trafficking including smuggled firearms of foreign make or prohibited arms and prohibited ammunition.
The bill also prescribes punishment for use of firearms in rash and negligent manner in celebratory gunfire endangering human life.
The Bill seeks to enhance the period of arms licence from three years to five years and also to issue arms licence in its electronic form.
The law enforcement agencies indicate growing nexus between possession of illegal firearms and commission of criminal offences.
With the advancement in technology, the firepower and sophistication of illegal firearms have increased significance over the years. The trans-border dimensions of illegal arms trafficking are causing threat to internal security and to prevent the usage of illicit firearms so trafficked has also become a prime concern.
(AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
