Premium

Include Chandigarh in Punjab arms license jurisdiction, Speaker Sandhwan writes to Shah

In a demi-official letter addressed to the Union Home Minister, Sandhwan argued that the current framework puts Punjab residents to unnecessary inconvenience when they travel to or reside in Chandigarh, which continues to function as the state capital.

2 min readChandigarhJan 30, 2026 06:17 AM IST

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to amend the Arms Act to allow Punjab arms licences to be valid in Chandigarh. (File)

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan Thursday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make necessary amendments in the Arms Act to include Chandigarh in the arms license jurisdiction for Punjab residents.

In a demi-official letter addressed to the Union Home Minister, Sandhwan argued that the current framework puts Punjab residents to unnecessary inconvenience when they travel to or reside in Chandigarh, which continues to function as the state capital.

“I am writing to highlight the need for some amendments under the Arms Act. As per the existing norms, Punjab residents must apply for separate endorsement or permission to carry licensed arms in Chandigarh, which creates unnecessary bureaucratic delays and inconvenience. When Punjab residents apply for an arms license, the jurisdiction is limited to the state of Punjab only.

“However, Chandigarh serves as the Capital of Punjab and is the administrative hub for the State. Many residents of Punjab reside in Chandigarh and frequently travel to Chandigarh for official and personal matters. It would be logical and practical for Chandigarh to be automatically included in the territorial jurisdiction when an arms license is issued to the residents of Punjab State. I humbly request that the Ministry of Home Affairs consider amending the relevant rules or issuing appropriate directions/ guidelines to the concerned authorities,” Sandhwan said in the letter.

Interestingly, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwabnt Mann also hold the Home portfolio. The issue, however, has been raised by the Speaker of Vidhan Sabha.

Sandhwan told The Indian Express, “There is nothing to read in this. The office of Speaker is also an institution in itself. The issue is of utmost importance for us as Chandigarh is our capital. How come we are not allowed to carry our licensed arms to our capital? This also amounts to our staking a claim on Chandigarh. After all, we have politicians, businessmen coming to Chandigarh. They need a separate license for Chandigarh. This condition should be done away with”.

He added that prominent persons and businessmen need protection from gangsters. “If they are coming to Chandigarh, they need their arms for self-defence. But they cannot carry. This is the reason behind my letter,” he added.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
arms act

Loading Taboola...