The Ministry of Home Affairs on July 26th 2024, has made some significant updates to the regulations governing firearms in India. These changes, detailed in the Gazette of India, are intended to refine and clarify the use of certain types of pistols and revolvers, particularly in competitive sports.
Key Updates:
The amendment modifies two key sections of the earlier notification dated February 12, 2020. Specifically:
Update to Serial Number 2:
Old Clause: The previous regulations under Serial Number 2 included various categories of firearms but did not clearly address competitive use.
New Clause: The updated clause now reads: Pistol/Revolvers (excluding prohibited and restricted category) which are permitted to be used in any national/international competitions or sports events. This change clarifies that pistols and revolvers, provided they are not in the prohibited or restricted categories, can be used in competitive settings.
Update to Serial Number 5:
Old Clause: Similar to Serial Number 2, Serial Number 5 previously listed firearm categories but lacked specific mention of competitive use.
New Clause: The new clause aligns with the change made in Serial Number 2, specifying:
Pistol/Revolvers (excluding prohibited and restricted category) which are permitted to be used in any national / international competitions or sports events.
Aim of The Change:
The primary aim of this update is to streamline the regulations surrounding the use of firearms in sports competitions. By clearly specifying which firearms are allowed for competitive use, the amendment helps to ensure that athlete and sports enthusiasts can use the appropriate equipment without ambiguity. This move also aligns India’s regulations with international standards for competitive shooting sports.
For sports shooters and enthusiasts, this update simplifies the legal landscape. If you participate in or organize national or international shooting events, you can now be assured that pistols and revolvers not classified under prohibited or restricted categories are permissible. This can help in avoiding unnecessary legal complications and focusing more on performance and competition.
For sports shooters and enthusiasts, this update simplifies the legal landscape. If you participate in or organize national or international shooting events, you can now
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ recent notification is a positive step toward aligning India’s firearms regulations with international norms for sports. By clarifying the rules around the use of pistols and revolvers in competitions, the amendment makes it easier for athletes and sports organizations to operate within a clear legal framework.
