Khushboo Patani's Air Pistol Advice Sparks Debate on India's Air Gun Laws
A former Army officer's self-defence video recommending air pistols has triggered debate over how air guns are regulated in India.
A self-defence video posted by former Indian Army Major and fitness coach Khushboo Patani, elder sister of actress Disha Patani, has set off an online debate about air guns and the rules that govern them. In the video, Patani encouraged women to learn self-defence and suggested a CO2-powered air pistol as an option, noting that the device fires metal pellets rather than live ammunition. She framed the advice around self-reliance, pointing to concerns over women's safety, including a recent harassment incident in Bihar's Jamui district.
Her remarks drew a range of reactions online, with some users asserting that air guns are unregulated or can be carried freely in public. The legal position is more layered.
Licensing and purchase
Under Rule 84 of the Arms Rules, 2016, an arms licence is required to possess or own an air weapon whose muzzle energy exceeds 20 joules (15 ft-lbs) or whose bore is larger than 0.177 inch (4.5 mm). Weapons falling below those thresholds are exempt from licensing, but they still cannot be bought anonymously or picked up from ordinary toy or sports shops. Rules 84(3) and 85 require such purchases to be made through licensed dealers.
When an air gun becomes a dangerous weapon
Even a legally owned air gun can be treated as a dangerous weapon if it is used to injure someone. Under Section 118 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon carries imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine. If the hurt is grievous, the punishment can extend to life imprisonment, or a term of one to 10 years, along with a fine. Injuries such as loss of eyesight or permanent disability may qualify as grievous hurt.
In serious cases, use of an air gun could invite charges under Section 109 of the BNS, relating to attempt to murder, punishable with up to 10 years in prison and a fine. Negligent use leading to injury may attract lesser charges, including causing hurt by negligence under Section 125 of the BNS. Openly carrying or brandishing an air gun in public may also draw criminal intimidation-related charges under Sections 351 and 352 of the BNS.
How dangerous can an air gun be?
Air guns are often assumed to be harmless, but forensic ballistics research indicates that a muzzle energy of just 7.5 joules is enough to break human skin and penetrate soft tissue. Weapons operating above that threshold can cause serious bodily harm, internal injuries and, in some cases, fatal wounds. Eye injuries are considered among the most serious risks, and hits to vulnerable areas such as the head, neck, chest and abdomen can prove life-threatening.
Hunting with air guns
A common misconception is that air guns can be used freely to shoot birds such as pigeons, sparrows or squirrels. Under Section 9 read with Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, hunting, killing or capturing wild birds or animals with an air gun is a cognisable and non-bailable offence, punishable with imprisonment ranging from three to seven years and fines.