RAM GOPAL DANDOTIA Vs. STATE OF M P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since similar legal question is involved in these matters, the matters are analogously heard.

(2.) Shri Prashant Sharma submits that by impugned order, Annexure P-2, the petitioner's arm licence was suspended, against which appeal was preferred before the appellate authority. Learned counsel submits that appellate authority has committed an error in holding that the appeal at this stage was not maintainable. Shri Sharma submits that under section 17 of the Arms Act, 1959, arm licence can be suspended for a limited period and it cannot be done without mentioning the period for which arm licence is suspended.

(3.) The contention of Shri Prashant Sharma has force that appeal was very much maintainable under section 18 of the Arms Act, 1959. A bare perusal of section 18(1) of the Act makes it clear that against suspension of arm licence, appeal is maintainable. Section 18(1) reads as under:-