Delhi High Court Orders Authorities to Decide on Former NIA Judge's Arms Licence Plea

The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to decide on a former NIA judge's plea for an arms license, citing personal security reasons. The judge applied for the license in November 2023 but no action was taken. If aggrieved with the decision, the judge can take appropriate remedies under the law. The court has disposed of the petition, noting that the authorities will take a decision and inform the petitioner.

The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to decide on a plea by a former special judge of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an arms license, citing personal security reasons. The judge, who served as a special NIA judge in Tripura and is currently on deputation in Delhi, applied for the license in November 2023 but has not received a response from the Delhi Police licensing authority.

The court, in its order dated May 30, noted that the petitioner's immediate grievance has been addressed by the assurance from the government counsel that a decision on the pending application will be taken within four weeks. The court also stated that if the petitioner is aggrieved with the decision taken by the authorities, he would be at liberty to take appropriate legal remedies under the law.

The judge's plea argued that the lack of security is a violation of his and his family's right to life and personal liberty, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. He submitted that the Delhi Police's licensing authority had a casual attitude towards his application, despite his family being permanently stationed in Delhi and the potential external criminal threats.

The court's order comes in the wake of a similar case involving Celebi Ground Handling India, a Turkish-based company, which challenged the Centre's decision to revoke its security clearance. The Delhi High Court reserved its order on the plea, noting the necessity to eliminate the possibility of espionage or dual use of logistics capabilities, which could be detrimental to national security.

The case highlights the importance of timely decision-making by authorities in matters related to personal security and national security. The court's order underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the licensing process, ensuring that individuals and entities are protected from potential threats.

References:
[1] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ex-nia-judge-moves-delhi-high-court-seeking-arms-licence-for-personal-security/articleshow/122787677.cms
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/delhi-hc-reserves-order-on-turkish-firm-celebis-plea-against-revocation-of-security-clearance/articleshow/122767185.cms
[3] https://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/hc-asks-authorities-to-decide-former-nia-judges-plea-for-arms-licence-619534