Arms Rules 2016
Definition
The subordinate legislation notified under the Arms Act 1959, replacing the Arms Rules 1962. Introduced a maximum of two firearms and 100 cartridges per civilian licence, a national digital licence database, and updated procedural requirements for licence grant and renewal.
- Jurisdiction
- India
- Replaces
- Arms Rules 1962
- Civilian licence limit
- Two firearms, 100 cartridges
- New feature
- National digital licence database
Common questions
Why was the two-firearm limit introduced in the 2016 rules?+
It replaced the older Arms Rules 1962 approach and was intended to reduce the number of licensed weapons circulating per individual, tightening civilian firearm access as part of a broader modernization of licensing procedure.
What forensic or investigative significance does the digital licence database have?+
It lets investigators and forensic examiners cross-check a recovered firearm's licence status against a central record rather than relying solely on paper documentation held by local licensing authorities, which speeds verification of whether a weapon was legally held.
Related terms
- BNS 2023 § 117
- Section 117 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, covering rash and negligent acts that endanger life or personal safety. Section 117(2) applies...
- BNS 2023 § 304
- Section 304 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, covering culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Part I (intention to cause death or...
- National Database of Arms Licences (NDAL)
- The centralised digital registry of civilian arms licences introduced by the Arms Rules 2016, maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Enables...
- Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB)
- The category under the Arms Act 1959 covering firearms that a civilian may hold under a district-level licence. Common Indian NPB weapons...
- Prohibited Bore (PB)
- The category under the Arms Act 1959 covering firearms of bore exceeding .46 inch, weapons capable of automatic fire, and other items...
- Section 25 Arms Act
- The principal possession offence under the Arms Act 1959: acquiring, possessing, or carrying a firearm or ammunition without a licence. Maximum sentence...
- Section 27 Arms Act
- The use offence under the Arms Act 1959: using a firearm for an unlawful purpose. Minimum sentence seven years' imprisonment, extendable to...