Delhi HC seeks Centre's reply on shooter's plea to import shotgun for sporting events

The Delhi High Court has sought the response of the Centre and the National Rifle Association on a national-level shooter's plea to be allowed to import a 12-bore semi-automatic shotgun for trap shooting events.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher issued notice to the NRA and the ministries of Home Affairs, Commerce and Industry as well as Youth Affairs and Sports and sought their reply by October 26.

The ministries, represented by central government standing counsel Ripudaman Bhardwaj, told the court that permissions to import the weapon are given only on the basis of a recommendation from the NRA.

The petitioner-shooter, who has represented Delhi in several national trap shooting events, alleged that the NRA has allowed a few select shooters to import the gun, but he has been denied the benefit.

The petitioner, Amit Kumar Gupta, has said in his plea that the NRA's decision is based on a November 2016 resolution passed by its governing body stating that since such guns are not used by the shooters in sporting events, there should be a bar on importing them.

Gupta has contended that according to information received under the transparency law, RTI Act, 21 permits were issued for import of the gun after the resolution was passed.

He has claimed that barring him from importing the gun was, therefore, illegal and discriminatory.