The Supreme Court has called attention to the escalating problem of illegal weapons possession, particularly in northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab. Highlighting the need for decisive action, the court has urged the government to treat the possession of unlicensed weapons as a serious offense. In response, notices were issued to all states and Union territories to gather information on crimes involving unlicensed firearms and the measures taken to address this menace.
During the proceedings, the bench consisting of justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna expressed concern over the prevalence of illegal weapons-related crimes and stressed the importance of strict enforcement. The court emphasized that if the issue is not addressed promptly, more individuals may face charges under the Arms Act. Possessing and using unlicensed arms in the commission of a crime can result in a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum sentence of seven years.
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In addition, the court drew attention to the contrasting situation in the United States, where possession of arms is a constitutional right but has led to tragic incidents of mass shootings. The bench underscored the need to tackle the illegal arms issue in India despite not being a fundamental right. Legislative amendments may require consultation with states as law and order falls under their jurisdiction.
Moving forward, the court intends to delve deeper into the socio-economic factors driving the demand for illegal arms. Senior advocate S Nagamuthu, assisting the court as amicus curiae, has agreed to conduct a comprehensive study on this matter. The case will be revisited on August 7, allowing for a thorough analysis of the responses received from all states and Union territories.