C.Krishnan v. The Additional Chief Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 27.01.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA W.P.No. 17620 of 2025 C.Krishnan ...petitioner Vs.

1. The Additional Chief Secretary / Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Chepauk, Chennai-60005.

2. The District Collector cum District Magistrate Krishnagiri District, Krishnagiri.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Krishnagiri Revenue Division, Krishnagiri.

4. The Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District, Krishnagiri.

...respondents 1/8

Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Section 226 of the Constitution of India for issue of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to the impugned order passed by the 1st respondent dated 12.02.2025 made in Na.Ka.No.Va.Ni.5(4) / 5964363 / 2023 in confirming the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent dated 09.08.2023 made in Moo.Moo.No.1538/2023C2, and to quash the same, consequently, direct the 2nd respondent to issue Gun License to the petitioner within a stipulated time.

For petitioner :

Mr. C.Prabakaran For respondents :

Mr. Yogesh Kannadasan 1 to 3 Special Government Pleader For respondent 4 :

Mr. L.Baskaran Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

O R D E R

This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To call for the records relating to the impugned order passed by the 1st respondent dated 12.02.2025 made in Na.Ka.No.Va.Ni.5(4) / 5964363 / 2023 in confirming the 2/8

impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent dated 09.08.2023 made in Moo.Moo.No.1538/2023C2, and to quash the same, consequently, direct the 2nd respondent to issue Gun License to the petitioner within a stipulated time"

2. The petitioner runs a company in the name and style of Bio Mass Brigades in Melkottai Village, Bargur Taluk, Krishnagiri District. The petitioner made an application along with the affidavit in order to obtain a Gun license (SBBL-Shotgun) on 12.01.2023.

3. The petitioner would submit that the 2nd respondent by order dated 09.08.2023 rejected the petitioner's application for a grant of gun license based on the report of the Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri that neither the petitioner nor his crops have any threat from wildlife. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner has preferred an appeal under Section 18(1) and 18(4) of the Arms Act, before the 1st respondent on 26.10.2023 and the 1st respondent dismissed the petitioner's appeal on 12.02.2025, confirming the order passed by the 2nd respondent. Challenging the same, this Writ Petition is filed. 3/8

4. The 2nd respondent had filed a counter affidavit, wherein apart from reiterating the contents of the impugned order, he would state that there is no threat to the petitioner's life and further he could threaten the villagers with the gun and therefore, the rejection was justified. Further, the 2nd respondent would state that the petitioner is not dealing in cash as most of the businesses is through gpay, phonepe etc,. Further, there is no untoward incidents in the area.

5. This Court by order dated 20.01.2026 has directed the 4th respondent / Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District, to file a report giving reasons for rejecting the request of the petitioner seeking grant of gun license as the report extracted in the impugned order is rather sketchy.

6. Pursuant to the direction of this Court, the Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District, filed a status report, stating as follows: "7.As per the report, the petitioner is engaged in business under the name and style of VCK BIO MASS 4/8

BRIQUTTES, situated on his land measuring approximately 79 cents. He employs about 20 workers in the said factory, which has an annual turnover of Rs.1.80 Crores. In addition, the petitioner has cultivated mango trees and other crops on a portion of the land, and his residential house is located within the same properties. It is further noted that there is no reserve forest adjoining the property.

8.During the enquiry, the Deputy Superintendent of Police examined E.B. employee Pannerselvam and other neighbouring landowners, who affirmed that the petitioner is of good moral character and has not been involved in any criminal activity. Verification through the CCTNS system also revealed that no criminal case has been registered against the petitioner, nor has any complaint has been lodged alleging threat to his life."

7. A status report has been filed by the Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District, wherein it is stated that the petitioner is carrying 5/8

on business with a turnover of over 1.80 crores and he runs a factory with over 20 employees. There is a risk to life when carrying cash. The 2nd respondent shall therefore consider afresh the petitioner's application to grant gun license, within a period of 3 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, in accordance with law. The impugned order dated 12.02.2025 is therefore quashed.

8. With the above direction this writ petition is allowed. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs.

27.01.2026 kan 6/8

To

1. The Additional Chief Secretary / Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Chepauk, Chennai-60005.

2. The District Collector cum District Magistrate Krishnagiri District, Krishnagiri.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Krishnagiri Revenue Division, Krishnagiri.

4. The Superintendent of Police, Krishnagiri District, Krishnagiri.

7/8

P.T. ASHA, J kan 27.01.2026 8/8