The Allahabad High Court has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh police and district administration over the alleged concealment of information relating to arms licences issued to influential individuals, including politicians and persons with significant social clout.

Justice Vinod Diwakar made the observations while hearing a petition filed by Jai Shankar alias Bairistar, who raised concerns over the alleged misuse of firearms in Uttar Pradesh. In an earlier hearing, the court had sought district-wise details of arms licences issued across all 75 districts in the State.

The court’s observations came after it examined an affidavit filed by the Joint Secretary (Home), which pointed to irregularities in the administration of arms licences. Data placed before the court showed that Uttar Pradesh has over 10 lakh arms licences. Of these, 6,062 licences were issued to persons facing two or more criminal cases. The affidavit also stated that 20,960 families possessed more than one arms licence, while over 23,000 applications remained pending.

Going against rules

“The affidavit...reveals that the District Magistrates and Commissioners of Police/Senior Superintendents of Police of all 75 districts have not been adhering to the Government Orders issued from time to time,” the court observed, adding that provisions of the Arms Act and related rules were not being followed in their “true letter and spirit”.

The court further noted that local police authorities had failed to provide details of certain individuals with “substantial social and political influence”, and that relevant particulars concerning such persons had been concealed.

“In order to bring clarity and remove ambiguity, and without commenting upon the credentials or political and social activities of any individual, this Court deems it appropriate to seek information in respect of the following persons as well: 1. Mr. Raghuraj Pratap Singh, 2. Mr. Dhananjay Singh 3. Mr. Sushil Singh, 4. Mr. Brij Bhushan Singh, 5. Mr. Vineet Singh, 6. Mr. Ajay Marhad, 7. Mr. Sujit Singh Belwa, 8. Mr. Upendra Singh Guddu, 9. Mr. Pappu Bhaukali, 10. Mr. Indradev Singh, 11. Mr. Sunil Yadav, 12. Mr. Farar Azeem, 13. Mr. Badshah Singh, 14. Mr. Sangram Singh, 15. Mr. Sullu Singh, 16. Mr. Chulbul Singh, 17. Mr. Sunny Singh, 18. Mr. Chhunnu Singh, and 19. Dr. Uday Bhan Singh,” court noted while directing the State to furnish details on whether such individuals had been provided government security, the category of cover, and the number and ranks of personnel deployed.

The Bench also cautioned against the public display of firearms, observing that weapons used as instruments of intimidation create fear and insecurity rather than genuine protection, and undermine public trust and civic peace.

The court is scheduled take up the next hearing on May 26.