Gun laws in countries outside the U.S.
The United States recently witnessed two episodes of mass shootings in a span of 11 days that killed more than 30 people including elementary school children.
- US recorded a total of 24,576 homicides in 2020, of which approximately 79%, or 19,384 incidents, involved the use of a firearm.
- Regulation of firearms in the US is convened through the shared authority between the federal, State and local governments.
- The US Supreme Court previously held that the second amendment of the US Constitution protects the right to “keep and bear arms” for self-defence, whilst federal courts argue about a potential infringement if federal, state and local firearm regulations circumvent this right.
Gun Control Legislation of India
- The Arms Act, 1959:
- About:It aims to be as extensive as possible to cover all aspects relating to the acquisition, possession, manufacture, sale, import, export, and transport of arms and ammunition in India.
- Requirements for Acquiring Gun License:
- The minimum age requirementfor acquiring a gun license in India is 21 years.
- The applicant must not have been convicted of any offence involving violence or moral turpitude five years priorto commencing the application, not of an ‘unsound mind’ and not a threat to public safety and peace.
- Property qualification is not a criterionfor acquiring gun license.
- Upon receiving an application, the licensing authority (i.e., the Home Ministry),asks the officer in-charge of the nearest police station to submit a report about the applicant after thorough vetting within a prescribed time.
- Other Features of the Act:
- It defines‘prohibited arms’ as those that either discharge any noxious liquid or gas, or weapons that seek pressure to be applied on a trigger for discharge.
- It allow the use of smooth bore gun with a barrel of not less than 20 inches for crop protection or sport.
- No entity is permitted to sell or transfer any firearm which does not bear the name of the maker, manufacturer’s number or any other visible or stamped identification mark.
- Amendment to the Arms Act:
- The Arms Act amended in 2019 reduces the number of firearms that an individual can procure from 3 to 2.
- The validity of the license has been increased from the present 3 years to 5 years.
- It alsoenlists specific provisions on curtailing the use of licensed weapons to ensure social harmony.
- Punishment:The punishment of imprisonment is increased between 7 and 14 years, along with a fine for the offense of acquisition, possession or carrying of prohibited ammunition without a license.
- It prohibits the conversion of one category of firearms to another without a license.
- Unlawful manufacture, sale and transfer are liable for an imprisonment term not less than seven yearswhich could be extended to life, with a fine.
- One way is to impose severe gun controls and severely restrict who can buy or own a weapon.American laws are too loose and too lenient in this regard.
- India too needs to review and tighten laws relating to the acquisition and possession of firearms.
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