The Allahabad High Court has taken a significant step in addressing the escalating 'gun culture' in Uttar Pradesh by requesting comprehensive data on arms licenses issued in the state. Justice Vinod Diwakar highlighted that individuals with political ambitions are misusing licensed firearms to assert dominance and intimidate others, fostering a climate of fear. The court criticized the trend of showcasing firearms on social media platforms, which it believes reinforces this culture and undermines public trust in legal institutions. In its order dated March 23, the court directed the additional chief secretary to clarify whether a database for arms licenses exists and if there is a formal policy guiding the issuance of these licenses. It also mandated district magistrates to provide detailed reports on firearms held by families and to categorize arms license holders with criminal histories. The court underscored the importance of adhering to the Arms Act, warning against unchecked discretionary powers that could lead to corruption. This ruling stems from a writ petition by a jeweller whose arms license application was delayed for nearly four years, prompting the court to seek accountability from the district magistrate regarding the reasons for this delay.