Jammu and Kashmir HC criticises selective prosecution in Arms Licence Scam [Read Order]

Jammu: The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has strongly condemned the apparent selective prosecution of bureaucrats in a massive arms license irregularity case spanning 2012–2016.

J&K High Court Exposes Corruption in Arms License Scam Investigation

A bench comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation, highlighted systemic corruption in the issuance of arms licenses.

CBI Probe Reveals 2.74 Lakh Illegal Arms Licenses Across Jammu & Kashmir

The court observed, “The CBI investigation revealed that approximately 1.53 lakh arms licenses were issued illegally in 10 districts of the Jammu Division and 1.21 lakh in 12 districts of the Kashmir Division.”

Exposing the criminal conspiracy, the court remarked, “Licensing authorities, including District Magistrates, gun house dealers, and middlemen, conspired to issue arms licenses to ineligible persons by forging documents for monetary considerations.”

The court directly criticized the prosecution process, stating, “It seems prosecution sanction is being accorded on a pick-and-choose basis, with big fishes still roaming free and the matter being delayed on various pretexts.”

Highlighting the ongoing delays, the court noted that prosecution sanctions remain pending for multiple high-ranking IAS and KAS officers from various districts across Jammu and Kashmir.

The court provided a final opportunity to the respondents to complete the necessary procedures, warning of potential coercive measures if delays persist.

Advocates Mr. S.S. Ahmed and Ms. Supriya Chouhan appeared for the petitioners, while Mr. Vishal Sharma, DSGI, and Mr. S.S. Nanda, Sr. AAG, represented the respondents.

Case Title: Sheikh Mohd. Shafi and Another vs Union of India & Others
 

[Read Order]