Expressing grave concern over the use of unlicensed firearms in the country, the Supreme Court has observed that the phenomenon needs to be rooted out ‘ruthlessly’.
While hearing the bail application of a murder accused, the Bench of Justice K.M. Joseph and Justice B.V. Nagarathna suo motu took note of the larger issue related to the possession and use of unlicensed firearms in the country.
The Apex Court further took in view the fact that since firearms were readily available, the number of cases under this head had reached 25,000.
The prosecution contended that an unlicensed firearm was used in the crime and offences under Section 302 along with Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code was registered.
After the Advocate for the State of Uttar Pradesh sought time in the matter, the Bench agreed to adjourn the hearing for the purpose of appointing an Amicus Curiae in the matter. The Apex Court further discussed possible names in this regard.
Earlier, the top court of the country had observed that the trend of using unlicensed firearms was very ‘disturbing’.
The Supreme Court said that unlike in the United States, no one was permitted to carry firearms in India, unless authorised. This was not a fundamental right in the country, it added.
The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution did not confer any such right to the citizens, which was the greatest significance to preserve life of all, noted the Apex Court.
(Case title: Rajendra Singh by Courts Motion vs The State of Uttar Pradesh)