📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
National
India Clarifies Women’s Right to Carry Weapons for Self‑Defence
✍️ indiatoday.in
🗓 04 Oct 2026, 10:37 AM
👁 16
The government has reiterated that women can exercise their right to self‑defence by carrying weapons, subject to existing legal provisions and restrictions.
The government has issued a statement confirming that women are entitled to exercise their right to self‑defence under Indian law, citing provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act.
The clarification emphasises that while women may carry weapons for self‑defence, they must adhere to licensing, registration and possession rules, and are prohibited from using them for unlawful purposes.
The move comes amid rising concerns over women’s safety and a demand for clearer legal guidance on self‑defence.
Legal experts note that the clarification seeks to empower women while maintaining public safety, and that training and awareness programmes will be promoted to ensure responsible use of weapons.
The clarification emphasises that while women may carry weapons for self‑defence, they must adhere to licensing, registration and possession rules, and are prohibited from using them for unlawful purposes.
The move comes amid rising concerns over women’s safety and a demand for clearer legal guidance on self‑defence.
Legal experts note that the clarification seeks to empower women while maintaining public safety, and that training and awareness programmes will be promoted to ensure responsible use of weapons.