India, March 14 -- Mere registration of a first information report (FIR) cannot justify cancelling or refusing to renew an arms licence, the Orissa high court has ruled. The court said authorities must demonstrate with reasons in writing that the licence-holder poses a genuine threat to public peace and safety before invoking their powers under the Arms Act.

Justice AK Mohapatra pronounced the judgment on Friday, setting aside the additional district magistrate's order upholding cancellation and subsequently refusal to renew the arms licence of businessman Sambit Padhy based on his alleged involvement in a criminal case.

In 2022, an FIR was lodged against Padhy over alleged illegal possession of chromite and hard coke.

Justice AK Mohap...