Chandigarh,26th,July,2024:- Deputy Commissioner, UT, Chandigarh Vinay Pratap Singh conducted a review of arms licenses issued in UT, Chandigarh under Arms Act, 1959 and Rules framed thereunder. As per information obtained from Arms Branch of Deputy Commissioner Office more than 6100 arms licenses have been issued so far in jurisdiction of UT, Chandigarh. Deputy Commissioner reviewed the default with regard to delay in getting arms license renewed before its expiry. As per Rule 24 of Arms Rules, 2016 an application for renewal of license for arms is to be made atleast 60 days prior to the expiry of the license and as per Section 21 (1) of Arms Act, 1959 no licensee can possess any weapon during the expiry period of the license and the licensee is mandated to immediately deposit such licensed weapon to the nearest Police Station or with a licensed arms dealer. Deputy Commissioner stated that on review of the arms licenses, it has been found that approximately 2500 licensees have not got the arms licenses renewed even after expiry of the arms licenses. On the directions of Deputy Commissioner, notices for cancellation of arms licenses are being issued for default in getting the arms licenses renewed within time. The notices are being issued directing the defaulting arms licensees to deposit the licensed weapons to the nearest Police Station or the licensed arms dealer within 15 days of the notice and also to explain why the arms licenses may not be cancelled or revoked for violation of Arms Act and Rules. It was informed that 700 such notices have already been issued and rest of the notices will be issued in next two weeks. Vinay Pratap Singh stated that there will be zero tolerance to any violation of Arms Act and Rules and the defaulting arms licensees will be subjected to suspension, revocation or cancellation of the arms licenses and prosecution under Arms Act would also be initiated against such defaulters. As per relevant provisions of Arms Act, 1959 in case an arms licensee fails to deposit the arms license during the expiry period to the nearest Police Station or licensed arms dealer then there is provision of imprisonment of term more than two years and upto five years along with imposition of fine by the Court.