The Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019
INTRODUCED BY
Introduced by
Amit Shah
Minister of Home Affairs
SYNOPSIS
The bill proposes to amend exiting arms act by prohibiting individuals possessing more than one license firearm with an aim to curb crimes (like murder, smuggling) committed using illegal weapons.
HIGHLIGHT
Salient Points ()
The Bill states to reduce the number of licensed firearms from three to one allowed per person
Increase punishment for certain offences under the Act.
- 7-14 years (from 5-10 years) for acquisition, possession or carrying of prohibited ammunition without a license.
The bill bans the use, transfer, conversion, testing, proofing, manufacture or sale of firearms without a license and prohibits the shortening of firearm barrel
The duration of the validity of a firearm licensed from three years to five years.
BACKGROUND
Background Basics ()
There has been increasing number of incidents like murders, extortion etc using illegal weapons.
Increasing murder cases in last couple of years
- 48 - murders in Rajasthan
- 23 - murders in Punjab
| Act 1959 | Amendment Bill 2019 |
|---|---|
| The act allowed a person to obtain a license for up to three firearms. | The Bill reduced possession of firearms to one |
| Punishment of 5-10 years acquisition, possession or carrying of prohibited ammunition without a license. | Punishment increased s to 7-14 years for holding illegal firearms |
| Practice allowed only on point 22 bore rifles or air rifles. | Exceptions provided to sports person for using any firearms for target practice |
KEY STATS
Key Stats ()
Total gun licenses in the country
Illegal ammunition seized by security forces
Illegal found by security forces
Punishment term for non compliance
Excess firearms to be delicensed
Punishment for illegal arms if convicted
TIMELINES
Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
Bill passed in Lok Sabha
Bill passed in Rajya Sabha
WHY (as per the govt)
Salient Points ()
To control the use and possession of weapons in the country for safety and security.
To reduce their rash and illegal usage, which can endanger another human being.
To bring stringent punishment for people involved in illegal manufacturing of arms
To ensure easier provisions for people with licensed arms.
MEDIA SAYING
Media Saying ()
The Indian Express
The Indian Express 
NDTV.com VIDEOS
Videos ()
FAQs
A person can posses only one firearm (incl personnel from military) except licensed firearms dealers. This includes license given on inheritance or heirloom basis.
Responses