DAYS AFTER after a 17-year-old girl died during “celebratory firing” in a wedding procession, her father filed a PIL in the Delhi High Court to curb the practice and frame a strict policy to ensure people with licensed firearms do not “misuse” the license.
“Many cases of celebratory firing have been reported in Delhi recently. Those having licensed arms uses it in public gatherings, religious places, weddings and other functions where the licencee intends to show his authority and status in the guise of joy. This causes terror among the general public. Right to life, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, includes the right to live with dignity. This would stand compromised if one is not allowed to live a terror-free life…,” stated the PIL filed by Shyamsunder Kausal.
Kausal’s daughter received injuries to her head when a gun was fired during a marriage procession outside her house. She was watching the wedding from the balcony.
The PIL was heard by the bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath, which has issued notice to the Centre, Delhi government and Delhi Police to file their responses.
The plea also alleged that the practice was illegal under the Arms Act, and several deaths had occurred due to the “obnoxious practice”. The plea has also asked that “celebratory firing” be made a punishable offence, including a jail term and a fine which would be paid to the victim’s family as compensation.
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