MANPREET SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner by way of instant writ petition has challenged the order dtd. 23/2/2017 passed by respondent No.3 whereby his application for grant of arms licence has been rejected and the order dtd. 6/3/2019 passed by respondent No.2 vide which appeal preferred by the petitioner against the order dtd. 23/2/2017 also stood dismissed.

(2.) In brief, facts as enumerated in the writ petition are that the petitioner on 24/11/2016 had submitted application before the competent authority for an arms licence along with certificate of training as well as the medical report, on which report of the district police was called for by respondent No.3. Deputy Superintendent of Police Barnala as well as SHO, P.S. City Barnala vide report dtd. 14/12/2016 recommended the case of the petitioner for grant of arms licence, however, respondent No.3 vide order dtd. 23/2/2017 rejected the application of the petitioner on the ground that he has not shown or proved any extra-ordinary ground for grant of arms licence. The appeal preferred against the aforesaid order before respondent No.2 also stood dismissed by observing that the petitioner has failed toadduce any evidence to prove that his life is in danger and he needs a weapon for his self-protection and therefore, aggrieved against the same, petitioner has approached this Court in the instant petition.

(3.) Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would contend that despite recommendation of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Barnala, the licensing authority rejected the application of the petitioner in an illegal and arbitrary manner. It is further contended that the grounds on which the licensing authority can refuse to grant licence have been laid down in Sec. 14 of the Arms Act and while doing so, it is bound to record reasons for such refusal and since respondent No.3 has refused to grant fire arm licence to the petitioner on grounds which are not enumerated in Sec. 14 of the Act, the order rejecting the petitioner's application for grant of licence is not sustainable at all.