Prayagraj,

22 May (H.S.): Observing that public exhibition of weaponry is injurious to

social cohesion, the Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh

government to provide data on the arms licences of 19 persons in the state,

including lawmakers Brij Bhushan Singh, Raja Bhaiya, and Dhananjay Singh. In

his ruling, Justice Vinod Diwakar stated that guns used for self-defense that

become instruments of intimidation encourage fear rather than true security. A

society in which armed individuals impose power via apparent force and threats

does not become more free or peaceful; instead, it undermines public trust. This

court believes that while the public exhibition of firearms may provide the

sense of authority, power, and protection, it frequently disturbs social

cohesion and promotes fear and uneasiness among ordinary people.

Although

open carry of firearms is occasionally permissible in the name of self-defense,

weapons that become tools of intimidation encourage fear rather than true

security, according to the court. Aside from Raja Bhaiya, Brij Bhushan Singh,

and Dhananjay Singh, information on 16 other people is being sought: Sushil

Singh, Vineet Singh, Ajay Marhad, Sujit Singh Belwa, Upendra Singh Guddu, Pappu

Bhaukali, Indradev Singh, Sunil Yadav, Farar Azeem, Badshah Singh, Sangram

Singh, Sullu Singh, Chulbul Singh, Sunny Singh, Chhunnu Singh, and Dr. Uday

Bhan Singh. The court also stated, During the course of the arguments, it

was realized, and in light of similar matters pending before this court in

which licenses have been cancelled in respect of persons engaged in public and

political life, it has been determined that additional information is required

for arriving at a logical conclusion.

This

court believes that equity is one of the fundamental principles of the rule of

law; thus, in order to ensure good governance and maintain public trust, the

state must not only observe fairness and non-discrimination in policy, but such

principles must also be reflected in day-to-day administration, the court

added. It has scheduled the next hearing for May 26. The Registrar (Compliance)

was required to submit a copy of the order to the additional chief secretary

(home), all district magistrates, and commissioners/senior superintendents of

police in all 75 districts to ensure strict and effective compliance. Earlier

court demanded complete data on arms licenses given in Uttar Pradesh, as it

took a close note of developing gun culture and noticed that persons with

political ambitions utilizing licensed firearms to create dominant image.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi