MISCELLANEOUSCentral

Section 42 of THE ARMS ACT, 1959

may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct a census to be

taken of all firearms in any area and empower any officer of Government to take such census.

(2)On the issue of any such notification all persons having in their possession any firearm in that area shall furnish to the officer --------------------------------------------------------------------- concerned such information as he may require in relation thereto and shall produce before him such firearms if he so requires. 43. Power to delegate.

↩1.Subs. by Act 25 of 1983, s. 14 (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).

↩2.Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 22-6-1983).

Summary

Empowers the Central Government to order an official count or census of all firearms within a specified area.
Allows the government to authorize specific officers to carry out this official count.
Requires all gun owners in the designated census area to provide any information requested about their firearms.
Obligates owners to physically produce their firearms for inspection if the census officer demands it.

Practical examples

1The Central Government publishes a notice in the Official Gazette on May 10, 2026, ordering a firearm census in the district of Pune. An appointed officer, Mr. Joshi, visits the home of an ordinary citizen, Ramesh, who owns a licensed shotgun. Ramesh must tell Mr. Joshi when he bought the gun and show the physical shotgun to him.

2Following a census order in a coastal district, a local resident named Neha is asked by a census official to provide her license details and the serial numbers of her two registered handguns. Neha must cooperate fully and bring her firearms to the local designated desk for verification.

FAQ

1. Who has the authority to order a census of firearms under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959?

Under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959, the Central Government has the authority to direct a census of firearms to be taken in any area by publishing a notification in the Official Gazette.

2. Are gun owners required to show their physical weapons during a census under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959?

Yes, under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959, all persons possessing firearms in the census area must produce them before the authorized officer if required to do so.

3. How is a firearm census officially ordered under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959?

Under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959, the census is ordered through a notification published by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959, which level of government has the authority to order a census of firearms?

Q2.What two things must a gun owner do if a firearm census is ordered under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959?

Q3.Through what official medium must the directive for a firearm census be published under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959?

Q4.Under Section 42 of the Arms Act, 1959, who can the Central Government empower to conduct the census of firearms?

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