High Court Reviews Status of Arms Licences Scam; MHA Says Decision on Prosecution Sanction ‘Imminent’

Jammu, Nov 22, KNT: The Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh reviewed the latest developments in the long-pending Arms Licences Scam, with the Ministry of Home Affairs informing the court that a formal decision on prosecution sanction against several IAS officers is expected shortly.

During the hearing of PIL No. 09 of 2012 titled Sheikh Mohammad Shafi and Another versus Union of India and Others, Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma, assisted by CGSC A. C. Koul, told the Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal that the affidavit directed by the court through its order dated October 9, 2025 had been filed.

He said both the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Central Bureau of Investigation had submitted their replies to the clarifications sought by the Ministry of Home Affairs through their communications dated September 26 and October 14 respectively. He submitted that the matter was under active consideration of the Ministry and a formal decision is likely soon. The DSGI sought a short accommodation, which the Bench accepted.

The MHA, in its earlier status reports dated August 6, 2025 and October 7, 2025, had informed the court that proposals for prosecution sanction had been received from the J&K Government relating to several IAS officers who had served as District Magistrates in Udhampur, Kargil, Baramulla, Kathua, Rajouri, Leh and Pulwama. These officers were named in two separate CBI FIRs related to issuance of arms licences. The Ministry had also stated that a meeting chaired by the Additional Secretary (UT) was held on August 27, 2025 with officers of J&K and the CBI to examine the matter and that further steps would follow after receiving detailed comments from the CBI.

During the hearing, Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri, with Advocate Maha Majeed appearing virtually for the J&K Government, submitted that the Union Territory administration had completed its part by forwarding all proposals to the MHA and suggested that the PIL be closed since the rest of the process lies with the competent authority at the Centre.

Advocate S. S. Ahmed with Advocate Supriya Singh Chouhan, appearing for the petitioners, acknowledged the assistance provided by the DSGI and Senior AAG along with their counsels and appreciated their efforts in ensuring timely filing of status reports in a matter of wide public interest.

The Division Bench also appreciated the role of the counsels for both the Centre and the UT for their cooperation and assistance.

After hearing all sides, the Bench granted the accommodation requested by the DSGI and listed the matter for the next hearing on December 30, 2025, so the MHA can convey its formal decision regarding the prosecution sanction of the officers named in the case. [KNT]