National Database of Arms Licences (NDAL)
Definition
The centralised digital registry of civilian arms licences introduced by the Arms Rules 2016, maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Enables police to verify licence validity in real time during investigation.
- Governing rule
- Arms Rules 2016
- Maintained by
- Ministry of Home Affairs, India
- Function
- Real-time licence validity check for police
- Scope
- Civilian arms licences, centralised digital registry
Common questions
Why does a centralised licence database matter for firearm investigations?+
Before NDAL, licence records sat in scattered district offices, so an investigating officer had no fast way to confirm whether a seized weapon was legally held. A centralised registry lets police cross-check a licence number or serial against a live record during a case, instead of waiting on a paper trail from another state.
Does NDAL cover all firearms in India?+
It covers civilian arms licences issued under the Arms Act framework, not military or police-issued weapons, which are tracked through separate departmental records.
Related terms
- Arms Rules 2016
- The subordinate legislation notified under the Arms Act 1959, replacing the Arms Rules 1962. Introduced a maximum of two firearms and 100...
- 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...
- 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...