In Brief
A man licensed to hold a Double-Barrel 12-Bore rifle was convicted by the High Court under the Arms Act after the rifle was used in a murder committed by a co-accused. The rifle had been kept in a farm-house jointly owned by both men and was illegally taken by the co-accused without the license holder's knowledge. The Supreme Court acquitted the appellant, holding that mere licensure does not impose criminal liability when a weapon is stolen and used in a crime without the license holder's knowledge, consent, or any willful violation of license conditions. The prosecution must prove deliberate delivery or willful breach—not mere negligence."
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