No, owning a flamethrower in India is illegal under the Arms Act, 1959, and Explosives Act, 1884, with no civilian exemptions. State-level permits under the Explosives Rules, 2008, are restricted to licensed pyrotechnicians, and recent 2026 draft amendments to the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) guidelines further tighten controls. Unauthorized possession risks imprisonment under Section 25 of the Arms Act or Section 4 of the Explosives Act, with penalties up to 10 years and fines.
Key Regulations for Owning a Flamethrower in India
- Arms Act, 1959 (Section 4): Classifies flamethrowers as “arms” under Category 3, requiring a license from the state government or central authority, which is rarely granted to civilians.
- Explosives Act, 1984 & PESO Rules (2008): Flamethrowers fall under “Class 1.4 explosives,” mandating PESO approval for manufacture, sale, or possession—civilians are excluded.
- State-Specific Enforcement: Police and district magistrates enforce bans under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, with recent 2026 PESO circulars emphasizing zero tolerance for unauthorized devices.