INTRODUCTION
In India, festivals and marriages are often celebrated extravagantly, with grand events that highlight a sense of joy and significance. However, in some places, people try to show off their excitement, wealth and social status through celebratory firing, which means shooting guns in the air. People believe that the louder and more intense the display is, the more it symbolises the family’s social standing and ability to command attention in the public eye.
While these actions are intended to add to the festive atmosphere, they can lead to dangerous and lethal consequences. It has become too common to read about people getting injured or even losing their lives because of celebratory firing. What begins as a burst of joy can quickly turn into a moment of horror or mourning when safety is ignored. Sometimes the injured could be one’s family member or the people who are just standing there to watch the event or even a passerby. Sadly, this dangerous practice has become part of some celebrations in North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Although India has explicit laws prescribing punishments for celebratory firing, they are rarely sensibly applied, and the practice is still very common among certain communities.
WHAT IS CELEBRATORY FIRING AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?
Celebratory firing refers to the shooting of bullets in the air, especially during a wedding, election procession, New Year’s Eve or festival. Such activity has formed part of cultural celebrations popularly in the world for centuries, and so is in India. People overlook the dangers associated with the celebratory firing. Even though people do it to express their happiness and joy, the consequences sometimes are far from being celebratory.
When a bullet is shot into the sky, gravity eventually pulls it back down. As it falls, it can reach a high velocity, presenting a significant risk or danger of striking anyone who comes in its way. If the bullet hits any critical areas such as the head, chest or abdomen, it may result in severe injuries or can even lead to the death of the individual.[1] Aside from the physical damage, it also brings about panic and chaos in public places. At festivals and processions, a significant crowd gathers, and the sudden sound of gunfire can trigger panic, leading to accidents or stampedes. It also causes noise pollution, which could be disruptive and traumatic for people, especially those with PTSD or on the autism spectrum. It is also traumatic for animals and pets, as a dog’s hearing ability is roughly four times more sensitive than a human’s. Each year, animals get lost or hurt while attempting to run away from the noise of fireworks or gunfire.[2]
LAWS RELATED TO CELEBRATORY FIRING IN INDIA
Section 25(9) of the Arms Act of 1959 states that “Whoever uses a firearm in a rash or negligent manner or in celebratory gunfire so as to endanger human life or personal safety of others shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to rupees one lakh, or with both.”[3]
In a Supreme Court case concerning the deaths of two individuals who were shot during celebratory gunfire at a wedding, an enraged 3-judge bench consisting of S.A. Bobde, Chief Justice, B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant, JJ stated, “Incidents of celebratory firing are regretfully rising, for they are seen as a status symbol. A gun licensed for self protection or safety and security of crops and cattle cannot be fired in celebratory events, it being a potential cause of fatal accidents.”[4]
To prevent the misuse of firearms, The Arms Rules, 2016, was introduced, which laid down rules for the licensing, use, and regulation of firearms. Under these rules, the use of a firearm is strictly regulated, and firing into the air, especially in public or crowded places, is not allowed. The rules mention that there is a need to obtain permission to fire a weapon, even at a celebration, and should be performed under close supervision to avoid accidents.[5]
REAL-LIFE TRAGEDIES
Across India, there have been numerous cases when a simple act of celebration turns into a
heart-wrenching tragedy. To some, celebratory firing may seem like a harmless custom, but the bitter truth is that it could bring about very dire and unexpected outcomes that unimaginably affect our lives. If there is anyone who could tell this better, it indeed is me; my family was torn apart by a senseless act of celebratory firing. My maternal grandfather fell victim to a stray bullet during an election rally, leaving a permanent scar on our lives. My grandmother was pregnant when my grandfather died, a tragic death because of which she lost her husband, and my mother was never given the opportunity to meet her father.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated account, another countless number of stories across India bear witness to the same dangerous practice. With every instance of celebratory firing looms the threat of loss, injury, and devastation. Such tragedies need not have occurred; they continue to happen, bringing with them unimaginable grief for families who will never recover from the psychological strains of such senseless and mindless violence.
One of the recent devastating examples occurred on December 12, 2024, in Haryana, where a 13-year-old girl was killed at a wedding after suffering a bullet shot during a celebratory gunfire.[6] Similarly, in Haridwar, a 9-year-old boy was killed during a wedding function in a village because of a stray bullet.[7]
People might ask a question: if this action is illegal and so dangerous, then why, at military funerals and events, bullets are fired into the air and “21 gun salutes” are given?[8]
“The answer is simple: those events use blanks, not real bullets.”[9]
CONCLUSION
To a person who has never witnessed this phenomenon before, celebratory fire may appear to be a mark of exuberance and excitement. On the contrary, it is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible acts that have already led to an extensive range of tragedies. Each life lost as my grandfather and countless other lives, serves as an excruciatingly painful reminder that the thrill of loud gunshots comes at an enormous price. Though laws are set out to prevent it, they are not strictly enforced, and the custom continues to wreak havoc.
On the other hand, change is possible, and there is a way to eradicate this horrific practice:
Stronger Law Enforcement: The laws are there against celebratory firing; however, they need to be enforced thoroughly. There should be bail, arrest, or congenital imprisonment forthwith by the authorities upon hearing or observing celebratory firing. This should serve to discourage others from indulging in this perilous undertaking.
Awareness Campaigns: Very many people involved in celebratory firing may not know how dangerous it is. Public awareness campaigns, in areas known to have this particular tendency, may be used to educate all involved about its inherent dangers. Real cases may be cited to drive home the point that celebratory firing is a risk not worth taking.
Alternative Ways to Celebrate: Instead of using combat for these emotions, communities can think of various other alternatives for the expression of joy. Soft musical noise, fireworks (if relatively safe), or even cultural performances could be far better alternatives to celebratory firing. These will add excitement, even joy, as far as risk is concerned.
Most Important Need: It is a critical professional outline needed for local leaders, politicians, and other social influencers to serve as role models. The community must work to shed the idea that celebratory firing is such a potent symbol of power or status. Change is possible when people looked at as role models act against it.
Better Control on Firearm Access: Strong restrictions on gun ownership coupled with stricter scrutiny of the gun licensing process will greatly contain the exposure of firearms to reckless use in public places. It should never be forgotten by gun owners their general responsibility is always to use firearms only in the actuality of great need.
Emergency Response Systems: In some areas of the country, enhancing emergency care helps mitigate the severity of injuries due to celebratory gunfire by providing the appropriate medical treatment at the right time. It usually makes the difference between life and death, ensuring those struck by stray bullets have a far better chance of survival.
Author(s) Name: Saumya Priyadarshini (D.E.S. Shri Navalmal Firodia Law College, Pune)
References:
[1]Siegel, E. (2023) The science of why firing your gun up into the air can be lethal, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2020/07/02/the-science-of-why-firing-your-gun-up-into-the-air-can-be-lethal/ (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
[2]‘Celebratory Gunfire and Fireworks’ (AustinTexas.gov) <https://www.austintexas.gov/page/celebratory-gunfire-and-fireworks#:~:text=Fireworks%20and%20gunfire%20can%20also,Be%20a%20courteous%20neighbor.> accessed 9 January 2025
[3]Indiacode. Available at: https://www.indiacode.nic.in/show-data?actid=AC_CEN_5_23_00014_195954_1517807322009 (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
[4] Bhardwaj, P. and Ridhi (2020) Celebratory firing of guns licensed for self protection needs to stop: SC, SCC Times. Available at: https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2020/03/21/celebratory-firing-of-guns-licensed-for-self-protection-needs-to-stop-sc/ (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
[5]The arms rules, 2016. Available at: https://indiankanoon.org/doc/172687242 (Accessed: 09 January 2025).
[6] Pti (2024) Teenage girl killed in celebratory firing in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri, The Hindu. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chandigarh/teenage-girl-killed-in-celebratory-firing-in-haryanas-charkhi-dadri/article68976150.ece (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
[7] ‘Haridwar Wedding Firing: Celebratory firing at wedding event kills 9-year-old boy in Haridwar | Dehradun News – Times of India’ (The Times of India) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/celebratory-firing-at-wedding-event-kills-9-year-old-boy-in-haridwar/articleshow/115679776.cms> accessed 10 January 2025.
[8]Siegel, E. (2023) The science of why firing your gun up into the air can be lethal, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2020/07/02/the-science-of-why-firing-your-gun-up-into-the-air-can-be-lethal/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
[9]Ibid
