Allahabad HC pulls up Uttar Pradesh Police for concealing arms license details of influential people

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The Allahabad High Court has impeached the Uttar Pradesh police and district administration for allegedly withholding information related to arms licenses issued to influential individuals, including politicians and influential people.

Justice Vinod Diwakar made his observations while hearing a petition filed by Jai Shankar alias Bairistar, who expressed concern over the alleged misuse of firearms in Uttar Pradesh. In an earlier hearing, the court sought district-wise details of gun licenses issued in all 75 districts in the state.

The court’s observations came after it reviewed an affidavit filed by the joint secretary (home), which pointed to irregularities in the administration of arms licences. Figures submitted to the court showed that Uttar Pradesh has more than 10 lakh gun licences. Of these, 6,062 licenses were issued to persons facing two or more criminal proceedings. The affidavit also stated that 20,960 families hold more than one gun license, leaving over 23,000 applications pending.

Go against the rules

“The affidavit…reveals that the District Magistrates and Commissioners of Police/Senior Superintendents of Police of all 75 districts are not complying with the orders of the government issued from time to time,” the court said, adding that the provisions of the Arms Act and related rules were not followed in their “true letter and spirit”.

The court further noted that local police authorities had failed to provide details of certain persons with “substantial social and political influence” and that relevant information relating to these persons had been withheld.

“For clarification and removal of ambiguity and without commenting on the credentials or political and social activities of any individual, this court deems it fit to seek information also in respect of the following persons: 1. Mr. Raghuraj Pratap Singh, 2. Mr. Dhananjay Singh 3. Mr. Sushil Singh, Singh, VB Singh, 6. Mr. Ajay Marhad, 7. Mr. Sujit Singh Belwa, 8. Mr. Upendra Singh Guddu, 9. Mr. Pappu 10. Mr. Indradev Singh, 12. Mr. Farar Azeem, 13. 15. Mr. Chulbul Singh, 18. Mr. Chhunnu Singh and 19. Dr. Uday Bhan Singh,” the court observed and directed the state to provide details of whether such individuals were provided government security, number and rank of personnel deployed and number.

The bench also cautioned against public display of firearms, noting that weapons used as tools of intimidation create fear and insecurity rather than real protection and undermine public confidence and civil peace.

The next court hearing is scheduled for May 26.

Published – 22 May 2026 21:39 IST