Arms licence seekers in Punjab have to vow not to carry guns to marriage palaces

To curb celebratory firing, most prominently during weddings, the Punjab government has decided to take an affidavit from those seeking new arms licence or renewal that they will abide by any restriction on carrying of arms and shall not carry arms during marriage and other functions.

Also, owners and managers of the banquets and palaces will be instructed to install security equipment such as metal detectors and security cameras, according to new norms shared by deputy commissioner Ghanshyam Thori. The home department has ordered all DCs, and commissioners and senior superintendents of police to follow instruction for implementation of orders issued under section of 144 (CrPC) for prohibiting firearms at public places.

“Warning boards will be installed outside marriage palaces that arms are prohibited; and the offenders will be booked,” the DC said. SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu said all station house officers (SHOs) “have been informed about implementation of these orders”.

Earlier, the government made a dope test mandatory for those seeking arms license and, as per the new guidelines issued by the principal secretary, health and family welfare, the number of drugs that would be screened has been increased to 10 from the five on the past list; it will cost the applicants Rs 1,500.