Grant of Gun License Is a Privilege, But Renewal Becomes a Right Unless Valid Refusal Grounds Exist: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court, in a recent ruling under the Arms Act, 1959, has made a crucial distinction between the initial grant of a gun license and its renewal. Justice G.R. Swaminathan observed that while granting a gun license is a privilege, once it is issued, the renewal becomes a legal right, and rejection must be backed by specific statutory grounds under Section 14, Arms Act, 1959. Onus shifts to…