Mumbai police strict on issue and renewal of firearm license
6 May, 2013
Reply to an application filed under the RTI Act has shown that the Mumbai police has taken a tough stand on licensed weapons in the aftermath of the 26/11 attack. A large number of applications for new licences have been rejected while many of the existing licenses have been cancelled. The reasons for cancellation include misuse, failure to comply with norms and criminal records of relatives. Arms holders are required to renew their licences every two to three years depending on the kind of weapon, but it is very often neglected.
Between January 2012 and March 2013, Mumbai police has cancelled or seized 294 licences for the failure of the license holders to follow the rules and regulations on renewing the licences. Some licenses were cancelled for a decline in threat perception which was the reason cited at the time of obtaining the licence. The period between January 2012 and March 2013 saw the issue of just 38 fresh licenses.
In 2010-11, Mumbai police had cancelled 278 licences while 305 applications for arms licences were rejected in 2008-09. The number of people who wish to obtain a license just to flaunt their importance in social circles is fairly high in the country especially amongst the builders, politicians and film personalities.