THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE N.V.SHRAVAN KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.31336 of 2025

ORDER

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Assistant Government Pleader for Home appearing for respondent Nos.1 to 3.

With their consent, this writ petition is being taken up for disposal.

2. This writ petition is filed questioning the inaction of the respondents in considering the application of the petitioner dated 04.09.2024 for enhancement/conversion of existing Heirloom License and for grant of Additional Weapons and 30,000 ammunition quota to aspiring shooter’s as per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.S.O.665 (E) 12.02.2020 dated 04.09.2024 with Area validity “Throughout India” for sports purpose under Aspiring Shooter Category as being illegal, arbitrary, against the Constitution of India and violation of Article 14, 19, 20 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

3. The facts in brief as stated are that the petitioner is representing Telangana in shooting championships and also participated in the VIIth Telangana State shooting championship competitions in Small Bore Events held at Hyderabad from 24^th February to 7^th March, 2021, VIIIth Telangana State shooting championship competitions Rifle/Pistol held at Hyderabad from 1^st August to 7^th August, 2022, X Telangana State shooting championship competitions held at Hyderabad from 21st June to 28th August, 2024, XI Telangana State shooting championship competitions Rifle/Pistol held at Hyderabad held in the year 2025 and was awarded as aspiring shooter by virtue of having participated in above championships. Petitioner has not participated in 13th South Zone Shooting Championship Pistol Event, Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala, 2022 as the petitioner was not holding the gun. The TRAH has recommended the petitioner to improve his performance and the petitioner need Arm and Ammunition for his target practice and participation in Shooting Competitions and petitioner may be granted Arm License for (NP BORE PISTOL) in terms of Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.S.O.665 (E) 12th February, 2020. The petitioner being aspiring shooter submitted an application dated 04.09.2024 for enhancement/conversion of existing Heirloom License and for grant of Additional Weapons and 30,000 ammunition quota for aspiring shooter’s as per the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.S.O.665 (E) 12.02.2020 with Area validity “Throughout India” for sports purpose and the same was not considered. Questioning the same, the present writ petition is filed.

4. Learned Assistant Government Pleader appearing for Home has placed the written instructions submitted by Sub-Inspector of Police, Madhannapet Police Station, Hyderabad wherein it is submitted that the petitioner has submitted application to the Special Chief Secretary to Government, Home (Arms) Department on 04.09.2024 and the same has been forwarded to the respondents for inquiry and report. Upon receipt of of the petitioner’s application, the 3^rd respondent conducted a detailed enquiry and revealed that the petitioner is holder of Arms Licenses No.59/MDP cover one 12 bore DBBL Gun No.5893 under family Heirloom cover with Telangana area validity valid upto 16.01.2027 and the petitioner requested to enhancement/conversion of his existing Family Category and additional two weapons i.e., one NBP Handgun and One NBP Rifle with 30,000 ammunition quota with all India area validity. It is further submitted that there is no conversion/enhancement of existing family heirloom policy to transfer to sport purpose or any other category and after completion of thorough inquiry, not recommended the petitioner’s application and submitted to 2nd respondent on 12.03.2025. The 2^nd respondent forwarded the same to the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad vide No.HSE- 2/Arms/59/Madannapet dated 25.04.2025. Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad after going through the submissions forwarded a detailed inquiry report to the Spe