Mere registration of criminal case could not be a ground to revoke Arms license: Bombay HC [Read Judgment]

The provisions of Arms Act with regard to suspension or cancellation of Arms licence cannot be invoked lightly in an arbitrary manner, said the Bench.In a recent Case, the Bombay High Court has held that merely because a criminal case is pending against a person, Arms Licence granted to him by the licensing authority cannot be cancelled.The petitioner contended that during the relevant. In a recent Case, the Bombay High Court has held that merely because a criminal case is pending against a person, Arms Licence granted to him by the licensing authority cannot be cancelled. Section 17 of Arms Act authorises the licensing authority to cancel or revoke the licence for the security of public peace or for public safety. It is only when person apprehends that machinery of State would not come to his help for protection, he/she applies for licence under the Act.The provisions of Section 17 A of the Arms Act indicate that arms licence can be cancelled or suspended if the licensing authority finds it necessary for the security of public peace or public safety.