No. Brass knuckles are classified as prohibited weapons under India’s Arms Act, 1959, and their manufacture, sale, or possession is criminalized. Recent amendments by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2023 explicitly list them under Section 4 (Prohibited Arms), aligning with the 2026 compliance framework for arms control. Violations may lead to imprisonment up to 10 years under Section 25 of the Act.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in India
- Prohibited Arms Classification: Brass knuckles are explicitly listed as “prohibited arms” under the Arms Act, 1959, as amended by the MHA’s 2023 notification. Their inclusion under Section 4(1)(a) bars all forms of trade or ownership.
- Licensing Exclusion: The Act mandates that no license may be issued for prohibited weapons, including brass knuckles, under Rule 5 of the Arms Rules, 2016. Even ceremonial or antique exemptions do not apply.
- Penalties and Enforcement: Possession or use triggers Section 25 penalties—up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 lakh. State police forces, per MHA’s 2024 circular, conduct periodic inspections of arms dealers and public spaces to curb circulation.