JUDGMENT :

1. I have heard Sri Akash Gupta holding brief of Sri T.S. Dabas, learned counsel for the petitioner and Sri Rakesh Kumar Singh, learned Standing Counsel appearing for Respondent Nos. 1 and 2.

2. By means of this writ petition the petitioner has challenged the order dated 2.1.2003, passed by the District Magistrate, Rampur in Case No. 397 of 1999 under Section 17 of the Arms Act, 1959, (State Vs. Ram Prasad) (Annexure-4 to the writ petition) by which the petitioner’s Fire Arms Licence No. 1332/TTT of double-barrel gun No. 1595 was cancelled. The appellate order dated 24.8.2006 passed by the Commissioner, Moradabad Mandal, Moradabad dismissing the petitioner’s Appeal No. 26/02-03 under Section 18 of The Arms Act, 1959 (Ram Prasad Vs. State of U.P.) District Rampur (Annexure-6 to the writ petition) is also under challenge.

3. Briefly stated the facts of the case are that the petitioner was granted licence No. 1332/TTT of double-barrel gun on 22.8.1997. A criminal case, bearing Crime Case No. 181 of 1999 under Sections 323, 504, 506 IPC and Section 3(1) (X) of The Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, P.S. Milak, District Rampur, was registere