No. Blank firing guns in India are illegal under the Arms Act, 1959, unless explicitly licensed by the Ministry of Home Affairs or state authorities. Unlicensed possession risks imprisonment up to 7 years and fines under Section 25 of the Act. Recent 2026 draft amendments propose stricter penalties, including mandatory biometric verification for licensed users.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in India
- Licensing Mandate: Only licensed entities (e.g., film studios, military training units) may possess blank firing guns, per Arms Rules, 2016. Applications require NOCs from local police and district magistrates.
- Prohibited Use: Blank guns cannot be modified for live ammunition; violations trigger Section 27 of the Arms Act, punishable by 3–7 years imprisonment.
- State-Specific Enforcement: Delhi Police’s 2025 circular bans unlicensed blank guns in public spaces, citing “public safety risks” amid rising misuse in protests.
Local authorities (e.g., Mumbai Police’s 2024 directive) now audit film sets quarterly to verify compliance. The 2026 Arms (Amendment) Bill seeks to classify blank guns as “prohibited bore” if misused, aligning with global standards. Non-compliance with state-specific orders (e.g., Kerala’s 2025 blanket ban on private ownership) attracts immediate confiscation.