The Karnataka High Court has said authorities cannot issue blanket orders demanding the deposit of all licensed firearms during elections and also issue several guidelines to be followed for such orders. This order was recently passed by a single-judge bench consisting of Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum in response to a petition by firearm owners including farmers. The petitioners argued they lived near forested areas and had obtained firearms to protect their livestock and crops so their legitimate possession of the weapons did not pose any threat to elections. The bench observed, “The Election Commission guidelines explicitly emphasise the need for individualised scrutiny of firearm license holders, especially those with a history of criminal offences or involvement in rioting. Therefore, the blanket order issued by the respondent deputy commissioner disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations such as farmers living in forested areas, and those individuals who apprehend a threat to life and have secured gun licenses for their personal protection. Therefore, imposing blanket restrictions without considering these unique circumstances often leads to undue hardships and this Court is …