The Allahabad High Court has raised significant concerns regarding the glorification of gun culture and the transparency of arms licensing in Uttar Pradesh. In a recent judgment, Justice Vinod Diwakar emphasized that a society thriving on intimidation and weapon display undermines peace and order, as observed in the case of Jai Shankar Alias Bairistar v. State of UP and 2 Others.
Justice Diwakar asserted, “True self-defence is meant to protect life and uphold order, not to turn public spaces into arenas of dominance and fear. Hence, a culture that idolizes guns and intimidation cannot be deemed conducive to a peaceful society governed by rules.” This observation came during proceedings addressing the misuse of privately held firearms across the state.
In a previous directive issued in March, the court instructed all district magistrates (DMs) and collectors in Uttar Pradesh to compile detailed reports of firearm ownership based on police station jurisdiction. The court also requested updates on pending applications for arms licenses, renewals, or transfers.
The court noted that unrestricted firearm access poses a grave societal threat, highlighting that the licensing system is designed to ensure that only individuals who meet strict eligibility requirements are allowed to possess weapons. Presently, 10,08,953 arms licenses have been issued under the Arms Act, with 23,407 applications pending. Furthermore, 20,960 families hold multiple licenses, and 6,062 licenses were granted to individuals with two or more criminal cases.
The affidavit from the State Home Secretary revealed non-compliance by district authorities with government directives. The court remarked that “the provisions of the Arms Act, 1959 and the associated rules are not being fully adhered to by the concerned officers,” as reflected in the order dated May 20.
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Justice Diwakar warned that the public display of weapons, while sometimes justified under the guise of self-defence, often disrupts social harmony, instilling fear among citizens rather than providing genuine security.
Despite the state’s avowed zero-tolerance policy towards gun culture, the court pointed out that authorities had withheld information about individuals wielding considerable social and political clout, including MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh (Raja Bhaiya), former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, and former MP Dhananjay Singh.
The court has instructed the state to furnish details regarding gun licenses issued to individuals active in politics and public life. The affidavit should also clarify any government security provided to these individuals, including the type and number of police personnel assigned.
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The case is scheduled for a hearing on May 26. The court has mandated that police officials submit an undertaking affirming that all requested information has been provided accurately and completely, warning that any negligence will be considered intentional dereliction of duty.
Legal representation for the petitioners was provided by Advocates Kripa Shankar Shukla and Vikas Shukla. The court’s order underscores a critical stance on both firearm regulation and the accountability of law enforcement agencies.
