POWERS AND PROCEDURECentral

Section 23 of THE ARMS ACT, 1959

any police	officer or any other	officer specially	powered in	this
behalf by	the Central Government, may for the purpose of ascertaining
whether any	contravention of this Act or the rules made thereunder is

being or	is likely	to be	committed, stop	and	search	any	vessel,
vehicle or	other means of conveyance and seize any arms or ammunition
that may	be found	therein along	with such	vessel, vehicle or other

means of conveyance.

24.

Seizure and detention under orders of the Central Government.

Summary

It empowers police officers, magistrates, and other authorized officials to stop and search any vehicle, vessel, or means of transport.
The purpose of this search must be to check if the Arms Act or its rules are being broken or are likely to be broken.
Officials are authorized to seize any weapons or ammunition discovered during the search of the transport.
The law allows the officials to seize the vehicle, boat, or conveyance itself along with the illegal weapons found inside.
Unlike searches of homes, this search of vehicles can be initiated by any police officer without a magistrate being present.

Practical examples

1On July 15, 2024, a police officer named Anil stops a suspicious commercial truck at a highway checkpoint in Punjab. Under the law, Anil searches the truck's cargo bed and finds crates of illegal ammunition hidden under sacks of wheat. Anil is authorized to seize not only the ammunition but also the entire truck as a means of conveyance.

2In September 2025, a coast guard patrol boat in Indian territorial waters stops a private yacht. The commanding officer, who is specially empowered by the government, searches the cabins and finds unregistered automatic rifles. Under the law, the officer seizes both the rifles and the entire yacht.

FAQ

1. Who has the authority to search my car under Section 23 of the Arms Act?

Under Section 23 of the Arms Act, any magistrate, any police officer, or any other officer specially empowered by the Central Government has the authority to stop and search your vehicle.

2. Can the police seize my vehicle itself if they find illegal weapons inside under the Arms Act?

Yes, under Section 23 of the Arms Act, if officers find weapons or ammunition being carried in violation of the law, they can seize both the weapons and the vehicle, vessel, or means of conveyance itself.

3. Do officers need a warrant or a magistrate's presence to search a boat under Section 23 of the Arms Act?

No, under Section 23 of the Arms Act, any police officer or authorized official can stop and search a vessel or vehicle without a warrant or a magistrate's presence to check for violations of the Act.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 23 of the Arms Act, 1959, what can be seized by an officer in addition to any illegal arms or ammunition found inside a stopped vehicle?

Q2.Unlike a search of a house under Section 22 of the Arms Act, 1959, how can a search of a vehicle be conducted under Section 23 of the Arms Act, 1959?

Q3.Under Section 23 of the Arms Act, 1959, what is the required purpose for stopping and searching a vessel or vehicle?

Q4.Under Section 23 of the Arms Act, 1959, which of the following is an authorized target for a stop and search?

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