No, carrying a sword in public in India is prohibited under the Arms Act, 1959, unless explicitly licensed by the state government or central authorities. Exceptions exist for ceremonial or religious purposes, but enforcement varies by jurisdiction, with recent 2026 advisories tightening scrutiny on antique weapons to curb misuse.
Key Regulations for Carrying a Sword in Public in India
- Arms Act, 1959: Swords fall under “prohibited arms” unless licensed under Section 7, requiring prior approval from the District Magistrate or state police. Unlicensed possession risks imprisonment up to 7 years or fines under Section 25.
- State-Specific Rules: Some states, like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, mandate additional permits for “traditional weapons” under local police regulations. Delhi Police’s 2025 circular restricts public display of swords even during cultural events without prior notice.
- Cultural/Religious Exemptions: Temporary exemptions may apply for festivals (e.g., Durga Puja in West Bengal), but carriers must obtain a “no-objection certificate” from local authorities and transport weapons in sealed cases. Violations during such events trigger immediate confiscation under Section 10 of the Arms Act.