Madras High Court
WP(MD)/29127/2026 of Clifford S.Prine Vs The Additional Chief Secreta on 13 October 2026
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 13-10-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR
RAMAMOORTHY
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026
CNR:{HCMD011442792026}
AND
WMP(MD) No. 22101 of 2026
Clifford S.Prine
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The Additional Chief Secretary /
Commissioner of Revenue Administration,
Chepauk,
Chennai - 600 005.
2. The District Collector and District Magistrate Thoothukudi District Thoothukudi.
3. The District Revenue Officer
Thoothukudi District
Thoothukudi.
4. The Superintendent of Police
Thoothukudi District
Thoothukudi.
5. The Inspector of Police
Puthiamputhur Police Station
Thoothukudi District.
..Respondent(s)
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned proceedings of the 2nd
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026
respondent in Pa.Mu.C3/1069064/2024 dated 14.08.2025, quash the same, and consequently, direct the 2nd respondent to grant SBBL gun licence to the petitioner.
For Petitioner(s):
M/s R.Ponkarthikeyan
For R1 to R3 :
Mr.S.Iniyan Karthik
Government Advocate
For R4 & R5
:
Mr.R.Mohamed Riyaz
Government Advocate (Crl.Side)
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ORDER
Order dated 14.08.2025 of the second respondent rejecting the petitioner’s application for grant of SBBL gun licence is challenged in this Writ Petition.
2. Relying on the Judgment acquitting the petitioner in criminal proceedings against him, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the second respondent had earlier refused to consider the request for grant of licence by citing the then pending criminal proceedings, whereas the impugned order was issued on the basis that the petitioner was unable to produce any certificate relating to participation in shooting competitions.
3. Mr.S.Iniyan Karthik, learned Government Advocate, accepts notice for respondents 1 to 3. Mr.R.Mohamed Riyaz, learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side), accepts notice for respondents 4 and 5.
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026
4. Learned Government Advocate for respondents 1 to 3 submits that the petitioner was heard before the impugned order was issued and that he failed to submit any supporting documents to establish that he intends to participate in shooting events or competitions.
5. The only relevant document produced by the petitioner in these proceedings is a membership card for the Tuticorin Rifle Club. The said membership card indicates validity up to March 2025.
6. Learned counsel for the petitioner, however, submits that the petitioner continues to be a member and that he would be in a position to produce relevant documents to establish that the licence is required in relation to participation in shooting events or competitions.
7. Under the Arms Act, 1959, a gun licence may be issued either for self-protection or for participation in sports events. Therefore, the petitioner is under an obligation to produce relevant documents to establish that the purpose for which the licence is sought is recognized and legitimate under the statute. It is, however, noticeable that the petitioner was not provided a prior opportunity to provide these
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026 documents before the impugned order was issued. In order to provide such opportunity, the impugned order is set aside and the matter is remanded for reconsideration by the second respondent. After providing a reasonable opportunity to the petitioner, a fresh order shall be issued within three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
8. This Writ Petition stands disposed of on the above terms. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 13-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No apd
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026 To
1. The Additional Chief Secretary / Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.
2. The District Collector and District Magistrate Thoothukudi District Thoothukudi.
3. The District Revenue Officer Thoothukudi District Thoothukudi.
4. The Superintendent of Police Thoothukudi District Thoothukudi.
5. The Inspector of Police Puthiamputhur Police Station Thoothukudi District.
WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026 SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY, J. apd WP(MD) No. 29127 of 2026 AND WMP(MD) No. 22101 of 2026 13-10-2026