Punjab & Haryana High Court: Man With Punjab-Only Arms Licence Crosses Into Chandigarh While Asleep On Bus

The Punjab & Haryana High Court addressed a case where a man possessing an arms licence valid only in Punjab inadvertently crossed into Chandigarh while asleep on a bus. The incident raised questions about applicability of arms laws across jurisdictions, public safety, and intent. The licence holder argued there was no knowledge or control over crossing the Union Territory boundary. The Court noted that Section 25 of the Arms Act, 1959 restricts possession and use of firearms outside the licensing state without proper permission. However, it recognized the absence of mens rea (criminal intent) in the incident, stressing that mere unintentional presence in a restricted area cannot attract penal liability. Authorities were directed to exercise discretion in enforcement while balancing statutory mandates and individual rights. The ruling serves as a precedent for evaluating inadvertent breaches under arms legislation, emphasizing proportionality in legal response, the importance of intent, and safeguards against arbitrary penalization.