Deposition of licensed arms and ammunitions mandatory

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 16, 2024

In view of the announcement of the General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024 to be held on 19th April this year in Meghalaya, the District Magistrate East Khasi Hills District directed all License Holders to deposit their Arms and Ammunition without fail, in the nearest Police Station/Outpost/Beat-House during the on-going Model Code of Conduct enforced on account of the ensuing General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024.

The order was issued in the exercise of powers vested under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and under Section 21 (1) read together with Section 17 (3), (a) & (b) of the Arms Act 1959.

The District Magistrate also warned that non-compliance of the order will result in imposition of penalties prescribed Under Section 25, 1 B, (h) which reads that failure to deposit arms or ammunition as required by Sub Section (1) of Section 21… .. , shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than (one year) but which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate East Jaintia Hills District A. Baranwal, IAS on Saturday directed licensed holders of arms to deposit their licensed arms at nearest Police Stations, Outposts and Beat Houses with immediate effect as to ensure that no untoward/unwanted incidents occur during the conduct of General Election to Lok Sabha 2024.

The District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat issued the direction in the exercise of the powers conferred under Arms Act, 1959 and also prohibit/ban carrying of licensed arms, with a view to maintain law and order and to ensure peaceful conduct of General Elections to Lok Sabha 2024.

Any individual who desires to appeal against this order may submit his/her written justification for retaining his/her licensed arms to the District Magistrate at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, East Jaintia Hills within office hours.

Featured Image by PDPics from Pixabay