Delhi High Court Asks Centre To Decide On Former NIA Judge's Plea For Arms License Citing Security Threats

The Judicial officer from Tripura had applied for a license back in November 2023 however, argued that the application was not decided till date, reflecting the 'casual' attitude of the Arm license Authority.

“The Petitioner has served at sensitive posts including: the Special Judge National Investigation Agency (NIA) that deals with crucial offences related to terrorism, national security and other serious crimes. The Petitioner and his family are highly susceptible to life threats as having served as a Special Judge NIA Court, Tripura, one of the most vulnerable geographical areas dealing with upsurge of terrorists,” the plea states.

The Judge is currently deputed at Delhi. He submitted it is shocking that he and his family are being made to live with no security, in violation of their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

“The Petitioner's and his family's restricted sense of freedom to live and travel with fear in the capital city of Delhi, is the sole purpose for the Petitioner to apply for the arms license…The Petitioner should be free from any external criminal threats and potential risks and non-interference in free movement, and be able to defend himself if any question of interference of threat arrives,” the plea adds.

The Counsel appearing for the government undertook, on instructions, that the necessary decision on the Petitioner's application will be taken within four weeks.

Hearing this, the Court said Petitioner's grievance stand redresses and accordingly, disposed of the petition.

Appearance: Ms. Sadiya Rohma Khan, Advocate for Petitioner; Mr. Arjun Mahajan, SPC for UOI along with Mr. ApoorvUpmanyu, Mr. Harsh Vashisht, Advocates and SI Rishi Rai. Ms. Rachita Garg, Mr. Agam Rajput, Advocates for R-2 and R-3.

Case title: Ravi Dahiya v. Union of India

Case no.: W.P.(C) 8355/2025

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