Well, it might surprise you a bit, but the thing is, it is actually illegal to carry a knife in India, even if you want to carry a blade for self-defense. But keep in mind, this topic is a complex one, and there are a lot of things to consider like the state-specific laws regarding carrying a knife, and the religious aspect of it, you know? Let’s discuss it by going in-depth, and see what specific laws are in place. Here we go.
Overview of India’s Knife Laws
You see, the Arms Act of 1959 is the substantive law with respect to knives in India. According to this act, “arms” includes any weapon for offense or defense, and the definition of the word extends to the blades of knives falling under that description. Arms Rules 1962, being part of this act and subsidiary to the Arms Act, define who can and who cannot make, possess, and sell as well as use arms and ammunition. Under this law, any knife with a blade longer than 9 inches or wider than 2 inches is a prohibited arm unless used as a home or farm implement. Any such knife falling under the above mentioned descriptions now has to be kept without a license since section 4 of the Arms Act now prohibits it, and the selling and use of the same.
What About The State-Specific Rules?
The knife laws differ hugely across states. For example, in Maharashtra, to possess a knife with a blade over 9 inches, you need to have a valid license. In states like Himachal Pradesh, it’s the right of people to have the privilege of carrying knives for self-defense generic to under or within the range of not hidden blades. Only state governments, through their respective notifications, declare any particular item to be a prohibited arm, so it regularly keeps changing as per local needs and decisions.
What About Knives in Religion?
Swords are a serious concern in India as per religious practices. For Sikhs, bearing a Kirpan, that is a ceremonial sword, again and again, is a clear case of the special rule to follow religious tradition and at the same time adhere to the laws. By very specification, it is allowed to Sikhs under Article 25(2)(b) of the Indian Constitution, even though this is a clear case. But yes, creation and sale are also government-permissioned even for Kerpans.
All in all, knives are useful in the hands of and households of countless people, for cutting in the kitchen, in agricultural operations, in the context of religious rites, and so on. But knives are dangerous things, and using knives for illegal activities can land you in a mess. If one threatens with or uses a knife against anybody, there will be numerous reasons under different sections of the Indian Penal Code( IPC) to definitely charge the offender. For example, making a public nuisance or threatening somebody with a knife falls under sections like 425(Mischief) and 268 (Public Nuisance) of the IPC.
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