Jugal Kishore v. State Of Haryana

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CRM-M-22173-2024 (O&M) Date of Decision: 21.04.2026 JUGAL KISHORE ... PETITIONER

VERSUS

STATE OF HARYANA ... RESPONDENT CORAM : HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE H.S.GREWAL PresentMr. Punit Malik, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Vijay Kumar, AAG Haryana.

H.S. GREWAL, J. (ORAL) 1.

The present petition has been filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C. for quashing the order dated 24.08.2022 passed by the learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Gurugram whereby the application filed by the petitioner for release of his licensed weapons, namely a rifle and a revolver along with the original Arms licence was dismissed.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that although the petitioner has been convicted under the provisions of the Arms Act, the sentence awarded was only that of fine, and therefore, the licensed weapons ought to be released in his favour.

3.

Per contra, learned State counsel has opposed the prayer made on behalf of the petitioner on the score that misuse of the weapons in question stands established and the petitioner has already been convicted under the Arms Act. It is further argued that the weapons constitute case property and, in view of the conviction, are not liable to be returned to the petitioner.

JANKI BHATT 2026.04.24 17:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh

CRM-M-22173-2024 (O&M) -24.

Having considered the submissions made by learned counsel for the parties and after perusing the record of the case, this Court finds no merit in the present petition. The fact that the petitioner stands convicted under the Arms Act, coupled with the finding of misuse of the licensed weapons, disentitles him from seeking their release. The mere imposition of a sentence of fine does not dilute the gravity of the offence or the legal consequences arising therefrom. Moreover, the weapons in question form part of the case property and are liable to be dealt with in accordance with law, and not to be restored to the petitioner.

5.

Accordingly, no ground is made out for interference in the impugned order dated 24.08.2022 passed by the learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Gurugram. The present petition is, therefore, dismissed. 6.

Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of.

(H.S.GREWAL) 21.04.2026 JUDGE Janki Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No JANKI BHATT 2026.04.24 17:08 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document High Court Chandigarh