The Indian Arms Act, 1878, 11 of 1878 (Rep., Pun Act 15 of 1961)

Section 12. Arrest of persons conveying arms, &c., under suspicious circumstances

Repealed or not in force · As amended up to 2026-08

Procedure where arrest made by person not a Magistrate or a Police-officer. IV 12. Arrest of persons conveying arms, &c., under suspicious circumstances. Procedure where arrest made by person not a Magistrate or a Police-officer. IV.—Going armed and possessing Arms, &c. 13. Prohibition of going armed without license. 14. Unlicensed possession of fire-arms, &c. 12. When any person is found carrying or conveying any arms, ammunition or military stores, whether covered by a license or not, in such manner or under such circumstances as to afford just grounds of suspicion that the same are being carried by him with intent to use them, or that the same may be used, for any unlawful purpose, any person may without warrant apprehend him and take such arms, ammunition or military stores from him. Procedure where arrest made by person not a Magistrate or a Police-officer. Any person so apprehended, and any arms, ammunition or military stores so taken, by a person not being a Magistrate or Police-officer, shall be delivered over as soon as possible to a Police-officer. All persons apprehended by, or delivered to, a Police-officer, and all arms and ammunition seized by or delivered to any such officer under this section, shall be taken without unnecessary delay before a Magistrate. IV.—Going armed and possessing Arms, &c. Prohibition of going armed without license.

Source: India Code