P.Arkattan v. The Commissioner of Police

ORDER This petition has been filed calling for the records of the impugned order in RC.No.K1/123/17097/2025 dated 10.04.2026 passed by the 1st respondent quash the same and direct the respondents to renew the Gun License (49/DMK/AL/ARMS)-(New Arms License No.03/Thazhambur Police Station/2022) weapon bearing Number (32 NP Bore Revolver No.D.0332M) Revolver 0.32 caliber and to pass such further or other orders.

¶2The petitioner is an ex-serviceman who was granted a gun license (License No. 49/DMK/AL/ARMS; New Arms License No. 03/Thazhambur P.S/2022) for a weapon bearing No. D.0332M (.32 NP Bore Revolver). The license was renewed periodically without any default, with the last renewal being granted by an order dated 11.07.2025. Upon its expiration, the petitioner filed an application for the renewal of his arms license. However, the application was rejected by the respondent vide an order dated 10.04.2026, on the ground that the petitioner was involved in Crime No. 02 of 2025, registered for offenses under Section 189(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, read with Section 41(vi) of the Chennai City Police Act. Page3 of 5

3.A perusal of the records reveals that the petitioner merely participated in a peaceful procession and dharna to protest against the Government's inaction regarding a sexual assault committed against a female student of Anna University. The allegations are, therefore, minor in nature and pertain strictly to a peaceful demonstration seeking justice for a victim. Consequently, this incident has no bearing on the antecedents or conduct of the petitioner. Given that the petitioner is a decorated ex-serviceman who was merely seeking justice for a victim, this cannot form a valid ground for rejecting his renewal application.

¶4In view of the above, impugned order in RC.No.K1/123/17097/2025 dated 10.04.2026 passed by the 1st respondent is hereby set aside.

¶5Accordingly, this Writ Petition is allowed. No costs. Further, the 1st respondent is directed to renew the petitioner's license to the petitioner if otherwise satisfied the other conditions. 16-07-2026 SMA Page4 of 5 To

¶1The Commissioner of Police Tambaram City Police, Sholinganallur Chennai.

¶2The Deputy Commissioner of Police Tambaram City Police, Pallikaranai, Chennai.

¶3The Inspector Of Police J4 Kotturpuram Police Station, Chennai.

¶4The Public Prosecutor, Madras High Court Page5 of 5

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J. SMA 16-07-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 16-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN P.Arkattan S/o Parasuraman, No.1/46, SSR Nagar, 1st Street, Mambakkam, Chengalpattu. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Commissioner of Police Tambaram City Police, Sholinganallur Chennai. 2. The Deputy Commissioner of Police Tambaram City Police, Pallikaranai, Chennai. 3. The Inspector Of Police J4 Kotturpuram Police Station, Chennai. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate Writ, order or direction of like nature against the respondents herein calling for the records of the impugned order in RC.No.K1/123/17097/2025 dated 10.04.2026 passed by the 1st respondent quash the same and direct the respondents to renew the Gun License (49/DMK/AL/ARMS)-(New Arms License No.03/Thazhambur Police Station/2022) weapon bearing Number (32 NP Bore Revolver No.D.0332M) Revolver 0.32 caliber and to pass such further or other orders. Page2 of 5 For Petitioner(s): M/s.S.Manimegalai For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar Counsel for Government for R1 to R4