88. Exemption from the operation of the Indian Arms Act (Act XI of 1878). [§ 12, Act V, 1861].
(a)A police officer is exempted by section 1(b) of the Indian Arms Act, 1878 (XI of 1878), from the prohibitions and directions contained in that Act, in respect of arms and ammunition which he is required to bear as part of his equipment in the course of his public duty, whether they are supplied by the Provincial Government or are his private property. No license, therefore, is required by any police officer in respect of a revolver or pistol owned by him as part of his equipment [see regulation 1012 (c)].(b)A retired police officer, who has been permitted to wear uniform on certain occasions after retirement, must obtain a licence for any revolver or pistol which formed part of his equipment, but is exempt from the payment of a licence fee for it.(c)A police officer of or above the rank of Sub-Inspector or a Sergeant may, under item 80(3), Schedule I, Indian Tariff Act, 1934 (XXXII of 1934), import free of customs duty a revolver or pistol together with ammunition up to a maximum of 100 rounds per revolver or pistol on the certificate of the Inspector-General that the weapon and ammunition are imported by the officer, as part of his equipment. If the officer who desires to avail himself of this privilege, is in India, he shall apply to the Inspector-General for such certificate to be issued direct to the arms dealer or contractor from whom standardised revolvers and ammunition are obtained. A certificate will not be issued as a rule to an officer on probation or at all to an officer who is merely officiating as a Sub-Inspector or Sergeant.(d)A register shall be maintained in the Superintendent's office in B.P. Form No. 4 of all arms in respect of which officers in the district are exempt as laid down in clauses (a) and (b) and, when any such officer is transferred to another district, a copy of the relevant entry in the register shall be sent to the Superintendent of that district.(e)If any police officer ceases to be exempt as laid down in clauses (a) and (b), owing to retirement, discharge, dismissal or any other reason, the Superintendent shall see that the arms and ammunition in respect of which such officer was exempt are deposited until a licence for them is produced or are otherwise legally accounted for.
