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Allahabad High Court has put the Yogi government and top police-administrative officials of the state in the dock regarding the allotment of arms licenses and their public display in Uttar Pradesh. The bench of Justice Vinod Diwakar has clearly stated that public display of weapons is contrary to the rule of law and social peace, which creates an atmosphere of fear among the common people.
What did the court summon? (Key Directives)
Taking a strict stance, the court has given the following directions to the state government:
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Details of 19 influential people: The court has sought information about arms licenses of 19 influential persons like Raja Bhaiya (Raghuraj Pratap Singh), Dhananjay Singh and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The court says that the local police officers have hidden important information regarding these people, which is now mandatory to be clarified.
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Criminal Background Data: The state government has been ordered to submit district, police station and name wise details of all license holders with criminal background. It should also be told whether other members of his family also have arms licenses.
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Accountability of Officers: The court has asked the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), all the District Magistrates, Police Commissioners and SSP to file personal affidavits, in which it will have to be stated that they have not hidden any information from the court.
Shocking figures came before the court
The government data presented before the High Court has raised serious questions on the status of arms licenses in the state:
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Total License: Total till now in Uttar Pradesh 10,08,953 arms licenses are issued.
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Pending Application: in different categories 23,407 applications Still pending.
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Appeal status: against DM’s decisions 1,738 appeals There are pending cases at the level of Divisional Commissioners.
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Multiple weapons: About 20,960 families Has more than one arms license.
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Tainted License Holder: The surprising thing is that 6,062 licenses given to people against whom two or more criminal cases Are registered.
“Display of weapons is an illusion of dominance, not self-defense.”
During the hearing, the court made strong remarks on the public display of weapons. The court said:
“Open display of weapons creates the illusion of strength and dominance in the society, but it increases the feeling of insecurity among the common people. The right to self-defense is individual, but displaying it in public places is not at all appropriate for a peaceful society.”
The court also found that it has become clear from the affidavit filed by the Home Department on May 20, 2026 that the DM and SSP in all 75 districts of the state are following the government orders issued from time to time and Arms Act, 1959 are not being followed correctly.
Next hearing on 26 May
Allahabad High Court has now adjourned this entire matter for further hearing. 26 May 2026 The date has been fixed. This stance of the court indicates that in the coming days, the licenses of all those people who have a criminal background or whose influence outweighs the administration may be reviewed.
