Prohibited Bore (PB)
Definition
The category under the Arms Act 1959 covering firearms of bore exceeding .46 inch, weapons capable of automatic fire, and other items notified by the Central Government. Possession without Central Government authorisation is an absolute offence punishable under section 25(1)(b) of the Act.
- Statute
- Arms Act 1959 (India)
- Threshold
- Bore exceeding .46 inch
- Also covers
- Automatic-fire capable weapons
- Penalty section
- Section 25(1)(b)
Common questions
What makes possession of a Prohibited Bore weapon an absolute offence in India?+
The prosecution does not need to prove any additional criminal intent beyond the fact of unauthorised possession itself, unlike lesser categories where circumstances or intent may be weighed, reflecting the higher risk the legislature attaches to this class of firearm.
Who can lawfully possess a Prohibited Bore weapon in India?+
Only with specific authorisation from the Central Government. This category is generally reserved for the armed forces, police, and a narrow set of licensed exceptions, so civilian possession without that authorisation is treated far more seriously than possession of a licensed non-prohibited firearm.
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...
- 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...
- 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...