No, firing a gun in the air is not legal in India, and this can very well lead you to heavy fines and even jail time. Well, there are strict laws regarding this in India, and today, we will be taking a good look at just that. Here we go.
First, Understand The Legal Framework for Firearm Use in India
In India, firearm ownership and usage are characterized by strict regulations, particularly governed by the Arms Act of 1959, did you know that already? Just so you know though, this law rules out the ownership of firearms, the reasons for ownership, and the way firearms are to be used. And yes, right here in India, a firearm license is the foremost requirement for owning a gun, and getting it is quite a task. Licenses are usually granted for self-defense, personal security, or specific sports like protection against wild animals or shooting.
However, it is noteworthy that there are strict guidelines on the usage of firearms, even if you have a license, so just keep this in mind. The Arms Act specifically forbids public events, such as weddings or festivals, from being firearms showoff events, in which the guns are fired only in the air, you know? Thus, even if one has a license, the act of using it in public may result in heavy legal trouble.
Like, in 2019, the Arms (Amendment) Act imposed new rules that were more rigorous than previous ones. The legislation now restricts an individual to owning only one firearm (as compared to the earlier three) and escalates the penalties for improper or reckless usage which also includes celebratory gunfire. This demonstrates the growing concern of the government regarding public safety, and that’s pretty valid too in our opinion.
The Dangers of Firing in the Air
What do you think happens when someone fires a bullet in the air? Yes, what goes up must come down, and the bullet will make its way towards the earth. Plain and Simple! The bullet comes down with tremendous speed and, on impact, can become the agent of serious injury or even mortally wounding a person. So, while it may seem like a harmless way to celebrate, the risk is incredibly high, that’s for sure. It would be a good idea to be a bit thoughtful and conscious of violations of the law that might lead to serious consequences before going ahead with the celebratory gunfire activity, as this activity is not only illegal but also very reckless, you know?
Just so you know though, sadly, celebratory gunfire has also been associated with a bunch of tragic accidents in India. In Delhi, for example, a 17-year-old girl was attending a wedding and was hit by a bullet that had been fired by someone there.
Legal Penalties and Preventative Measures
There are harsh legal measures implemented for the suspects of celebratory gunfire in India, which range from a mere pat on the wrist by means of regular police patrols and public safety announcements to strict sanctions such as significant fines or imprisonment. To be specific about that, under Section 25 of the Arms Act, firing a gun in public without a valid reason can lead to up to two years in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.
