No, open carry of firearms is illegal in India under the Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016, except for authorized personnel. Private citizens cannot openly carry firearms in public spaces; permits are strictly limited to concealed carry under exceptional circumstances, such as self-defense for high-risk individuals, subject to state-level approvals and periodic renewals. Violations attract penalties under Section 25 of the Arms Act, including imprisonment and fines.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in India
- Prohibition on Private Open Carry: The Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016, explicitly prohibit the open display of firearms by private individuals in public. Only government-authorized personnel (e.g., police, paramilitary forces) may openly carry firearms during duty.
- Strict Permit Conditions: Concealed carry permits (issued under Section 17 of the Arms Act) are granted sparingly by state licensing authorities (e.g., District Magistrates or Home Departments) after rigorous background checks, including criminal history and mental health assessments.
- Local Enforcement Variations: State-specific interpretations (e.g., Maharashtra’s stringent scrutiny or Delhi’s high denial rates) create compliance disparities. Recent 2026 amendments to Arms Rules emphasize digital verification of permit holders and mandatory biometric tracking for accountability.