Arms Act 1959 is an act of the Parliament of India that regulates matters relating to acquisition, possession, sale, purchase, manufacturing, transportation, import and export, licensing of arms and ammunition. 

The act, which replaced the Indian Arms Act, 1878, was put in action to curb illegal weapons and violence stemming from them.

The Arms Act, 1959, states that a license for possession of arms can get issued to any citizen of India who has good reasons, any threat to his/her life, or in need of self-defense. The Article 14 states that authorities can deny issuing a license for “public peace or for public safety” reasons. The act also states that authorities can refuse issuing the license without giving any reasons. 

Also Read | Why Sidhu Moose Wala was dressed as groom at cremation. Know about the ritual

Any citizen who owns the arms license should get it renewed after every three years.

In India, around 3.22 per 100,000 people get killed every year, of which 90% of them are caused using illegal weapons, according to a United Nations report.

The act got later modified in 2016 under which every person applying for an arms license or a manufacturer shall require to complete arms and ammunition safety training courses.

The training involves basic knowledge of arms and ammunition, safe handling of arms, firing technique, secure storage, care and transportation. Once the eligibility criteria is met and the police verification is completed, authorities can choose to grant/refuse the arms and ammunition license application within 60 days.

Also Read | Guns, no roses: In Moose Wala’s death, ends a possibility pregnant with purpose

In 2019, the parliament passed the Arms Amendment bill to tighten the Arms Act, 1959, proposing maximum punishment or life imprisonment for the possession and manufacturing of illegal weapons.

The act was amended by the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, making imprisonment up to two years or fine up to Rs. 1 Lakh or both. The bill also proposes maximum punishment for making illegal arms which is life in prison, if convicted.

Also Read | Sidhu Moose Wala shooting: 10 things to know about the political fallout

Under the amended bill of 2019, a person can have only one firearm, which was earlier three.