Search and seizure by magistrate
Chapter 4: Powers and procedure
(1) Whenever any magistrate has reason to believe—
(a) that any person residing within the local limits of his jurisdiction has in his possession any arms or ammunition for any unlawful purpose, or
(b) that such person cannot be left in the possession of any arms or ammunition without danger to the public peace or safety, the magistrate may, after having recorded the reasons for his belief, cause a search to be made of the house or premises occupied by such person or in which the magistrate has reason to believe that such arms or ammunition are or is to be found and may have such arms or ammunition, if any, seized and detain the same in safe custody for such period as he thinks necessary, although that person may be entitled by virtue of this Act or any other law for the time being in force to have the same in his possession.
(2) Every search under this section shall be conducted by or in the presence of a magistrate or by or in the presence of some officer specially empowered in this behalf by the Central Government.
The Arms Act, 1959 (Act No. 54 of 1959). From the updated text on India Code, with later amendments. Being checked against the official copy; amendment notes are not shown yet.
Related sections
- 19Power to demand production of licence, etc
- 20Arrest of persons conveying arms, etc., under suspicious circumstances
- 21Deposit of arms, etc., on possession ceasing to be lawful
- 23Search of vessels, vehicles for arms, etc
- 24Seizure and detention under orders of the Central Government
- 24AProhibition as to possession of notified arms in disturbed areas, etc