JUDGMENT -These three revisions can be disposed of by this common judgment. 2. All the three applicants are residents of village Pachori, taluq Burhanpur, district East Nimar of Madhya Pradesh State. They have been found guilty under section 3 read with section 25 (a) of the Arms Act, 1959 hereinafter called the Act, for having been found at village Ambaparwa possessing what is styled by the prosecution as revolver and certain ammunitions. 3. Briefly stated the facts are that P. S. I. Punjabrao was attached to Khamgaon Police Station. He had found Tarasing and Baryamsing having in possession of some hand-made pistols in October 1971 and pursuant to the information he proceeded to village Ambaparwa which is on the border of the two States, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. He was accompanied bysombhaji andsomad, two police constables. Having got down at the Dak Bungalow at Ambaparwa, it is the case of the prosecution that constablesombhaji andsomad were sent to the village of the accused in Madhya Pradesh by crossing the border and they were asked to get the accused at Ambaparwa on the pretext that there were prospective purchasers for their pistols and ammunitions. A panch from village Bawanbir by name Sukhdeo was also kept ready to witness the incident. According to the prosecution thus Punjabrao laid a trap and eventually on thesoy ofsombhaji, it is stated that these accused applicants came to Ambaparwa and they were possessed of the articles like country-made pistols and certain cartridges. Seizures were effected which are filed in the respective cases started against these three accused. Eventually after the seizures, F. I. R. was lodged and these accused along with 3 others were put up for trial for offences under sections 3 and 5 read with section 25 (a) and (c) respectively of thesoid Act. The present applicants have only been convicted for possessing the so-called pistols and, ammunitions at village Ambaparwa when they were apprehended by P S. I. Punjabrao, under section 33 read with section 25 (a) of the Act. That conviction is under challenge. 4. The first question is whether prosecution has ledsotisfactory evidence to show that the articles seized in all these three cases by P. S. I. Punjabrao do answer the definition of the term "ammunition" under section 2 (1) (b) as well the definition of "arms" contained in section 2 (1) (c). That conviction is under challenge. 4. The first question is whether prosecution has ledsotisfactory evidence to show that the articles seized in all these three cases by P. S. I. Punjabrao do answer the definition of the term "ammunition" under section 2 (1) (b) as well the definition of "arms" contained in section 2 (1) (c). Evidence on this point is only that of Punjabrao. For the reasons best known the prosecution have not got these arms tested nor the so-called ammunition certified from any Ballistic Expert. Before the Courts below too, this question was raised but thesome has been answered relying upon the testimony of Punjabrao. 5. The accused have denied not only the seizure but also the allegations that these articles were either "arms" or "ammunition". The· seizure which is identical in these cases and panchanamas effected maybe briefly noted which merely described what was the articles and the manner stating that it was a hand-made pistol having a tubular like projection, a trigger and a handrest. It does not describe whether thesome was in a working condition or even whether the trigger was capable of ejecting any ammunition from the projection prescribed as a small projecting iron tube. In panchanama the article is described as pistol and the ammunition as kadtoos. These facts are all challenged and questioned. 6. Evidence of Punjabrao is to the effect which is pressed by the prosecution for acceptance that he being a police officer, he states that pistol can be used for firing ammunition. Except the statement, he does not refer to the articles seized specifically in the case against Guljarsing. In the case against applicant Fulsing, he states that the cartridge is alive and the material seized is used for manufacturing pistols. The pistol can be used as a fire-arm. As. to the panchanama and the seizure, the description is in similar terms. It was put to him that material seized by him was usable in the trade of blacksmith, the knowledge of which he denies. It does not appear from his evidence in any case that he had tested this fire-arms in any manner or had any other experiment carried out. Even in the case of Premsingh, the position is not different. His evidence is merely that only because he is serving for 22 years, he states that pistol can be used as a fire-arm. 7. Even in the case of Premsingh, the position is not different. His evidence is merely that only because he is serving for 22 years, he states that pistol can be used as a fire-arm. 7. Thus the evidence of Punjabrao is of general character and is at the most based on visual impressions got by him by these articles. He had not tested the articles nor the ammunitions and, as stated earlier, the prosecution for the reasons not known has not tendered any other expert opinion. 8. The importance in a criminal trial of such material to be placed by the prosecution on record cannot but be emphasized because of the definition available in section 2 (1) (b) of the term "ammunition" and of the term “arms" in section 2 (1) (c). In the term of "ammunition" which must be the ammunition for the purpose of fire-arms several items are included which show the range right from rocketry to small balls usable as ammunition which can be ejected and exploded effectively through the mechanism of fire-arms. In the inclusive definition even the ingredients of ammunition as the Central Government may by notification in the Official Gazette specify are treated to be the ammunitions. It is, therefore, of essence, if the charge is that the accused was in possession of ammunition, that it must be told to him what type of ammunition he was possessed of and that can only be done if the prosecution is careful enough to ascertain whether the accused was in possession of the ammunition within the meaning of the provisions of the Act and if so what type. Mere visual examination of an article seized from the accused by the police in a given case may be a poor substitute. These may be articles which have a look of an ammunition but may not in fact be an ammunition. It is not for the accused to explain the things which the prosecution wants to rely upon. The general impression of Punjabrao with regard to the so· called ammunition cannot thus be the basis for conviction is a criminal trial unless it is established to thesotisfaction of the Court that in fact what was seized from the accused was the ammunition within the meaning of the Act. The general impression of Punjabrao with regard to the so· called ammunition cannot thus be the basis for conviction is a criminal trial unless it is established to thesotisfaction of the Court that in fact what was seized from the accused was the ammunition within the meaning of the Act. This is more so for the term "ammunition", apart from the definition, is indicative as conveying projectiles used with ordnance, rifles and similar weapons, together with the requisite propellents, fuses, cartridges and means of ignition. There are further technical classifications available. Such as projectiles, cartridges, the means of ignition and the fuse. It follows, therefore, that the prosecution cannot be relieved of the onus to establish that the material brought before the Court answers the term "ammunition". 9. Similar is the position with regard to the definition of the term "arms". The definition lakes in the articles designed or adapted as weapons for offence of defence. Merely because an article has a trigger or a handrest and has a look like that of a gun or pistol, that would not be enough to show that it is a weapon which can be used for the offence or defence. The prosecution is bound to establish that the article brought before the Court and seized from the accused in a given case is a weapon in that it is capable of inflicting injury as a means in case of offence and it is also capable of giving effective resistance as a means of defence. The definition further shows that if there are recognized file-arms, thesome are included in the definition. So also is the case with regard to the sharp edged and other deadly weapons and parts thereof and even the machinery for manufacturing arms is treated as the arms, The definition being inclusive would include all types of weapons which can conveniently come under the description and designations of fire arms, sharp edged and other deadly weapons and part thereof as well machinery for manufacturing arms. To clarify that certain articles though they may answer this terminology will not be "arms", the definition goes on to exclude articles which are designed for domestic or agricultural uses, such as lathis or walking sticks as well the weapons which are incapable of being used otherwise than as toys or of being converted into serviceable weapons. To clarify that certain articles though they may answer this terminology will not be "arms", the definition goes on to exclude articles which are designed for domestic or agricultural uses, such as lathis or walking sticks as well the weapons which are incapable of being used otherwise than as toys or of being converted into serviceable weapons. These terms of the definition having inclusive as well excluding parts will have to be kept in view while trying an accused for possession of "arms". Though an article that looks like a weapon may be seized from the accused, it may still not be the 'arm' within the definition of the Act and it will have to be shown by evidence that the thing seized was a weapon within the meaning of the definition. In a given case the very article tendered in evidence may substantiate the requirement and the Court will be in a position by the very tender of that to find so. 10. In a given case if the articles are sharp-edged and deadly weapons the Court may by mere look at it form its opinion and may conclude that it answers the term of "arms". But when the case is of a mechanical device and complicated weaponry,somesoid opinion could not be formed. A thing that looks like a gun or pistol must possess, to be an arm, a potentiality of a weapon, for it must be shown that it has capacity to eject the ammunition by its very design. Unless evidence is forthcoming the matter should not be allowed to rest on mere visual examination. For though a article presents a look of "an arm" it may on test prove an useless gadget or a mere show piece. Advisedly such exclusion has been made part of the definition of the term "arms". Without even doubting the experience of P.S.I. Punjabrao, it is amply clear in the present case that there is no material placed by the prosecution to prove that articles seized are "arms". The evidence of P. S. I. falls too short of the requirement and cannot be treated as sufficient on this aspect. 11. It is fundamental in criminal jurisprudence that none can be convicted on the basis of assumptions. The evidence of P. S. I. falls too short of the requirement and cannot be treated as sufficient on this aspect. 11. It is fundamental in criminal jurisprudence that none can be convicted on the basis of assumptions. It is undoubted that the offence of possessing such dangerous arms should be frowned upon by all concerned but at thesome time every care should be taken to put all possible evidence to enable the Court to hold accused guilty. 12. That being the position, the accused-applicants are entitled to acquittal. 13. Before parting with the judgment, it may be mentioned that similarly there is some doubt about the authority of P. S. I. Punjabrao to lay such a trap so as to get the persons from the neighbouring State into his own territory and to arrest them by exercise of his power under section 19 of the Act. It is undoubtedly true that a police officer is empowered to demand the production of the licence from any person who is found carrying arms or ammunition and upon production to proceed to seize from such person arms and ammunition which he was carrying. Only in case the person refuses to give the name and address or the officer suspects that the person is giving a false name or address or the person is intending to abscond, the officer is enabled to arrest him without warrant. 14. The power under section 19, therefore, indicates that the power is circumscribed by its own inherent limitations, in that if a person is found carrying any arms or ammunition, the police officer can ask for production of licence. In any other case, it appears, the power to effect search and seizure has to be exercised in the manner indicated by sections 22, .23 and 24 of the Act. Under section 22 power rests with the Magistrate who has jurisdiction over the local limits wherein the person residing is stated to have in his possession arms and ammunition. Section 23 deals with the power of the Magistrate with regard to search of vessels, vehicles for arms etc. Section l4 enables the Central Government to make orders regarding seizure and detention. The powers under section 19 have to be exercised, therefore, keeping in view the other powers of the other authorities. 15. Now, admittedly, the accused-applicants were ordinary residents of East Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh. Section l4 enables the Central Government to make orders regarding seizure and detention. The powers under section 19 have to be exercised, therefore, keeping in view the other powers of the other authorities. 15. Now, admittedly, the accused-applicants were ordinary residents of East Nimar district of Madhya Pradesh. If they were carrying on activities which could be amenable to section 22 or section 24 then only legal procedure was to follow the dictates of those provisions. The police officer of the neighbouring State like Punjabrao would do well in laying down the information before the concerned authorities so that effective steps as indicated by law are taken by the competent authorities. It is doubtful whether such a police officer could send police constables and call upon the persons under a pretext to come and enter the border of the home State and lay such traps and then by resort to section 19 effect arrests on the ground that such person was found carrying arms or ammunition. 16. Circumspection is the inbuilt criteria upon which such executive action will be eventually judged. Cautious discretion in matters that involve inter-State relations cannot but be emphasised. While exercising powers under statute enthusiasm should not be permitted to run unguided and that too beyond the borders of the State. Such procedure is fraught with several administrative as well judicial complications involving by-passing of the eminent authorities in the neighbouring States who have plenary and legal powers in that regard. Every care will have to be taken in this regard particularly when the States are autonomous within their limits and further the borders that divide them are undoubtedly friendly. Unless there are special reasons and circumstances such procedure cannot besonctioned. This is particularly clear with regard to the provisions of the Arms Act, because the provisions like sections 22 to 24 indicate that as far as possible, it would firstly be Magistrate having jurisdiction over the local limits who will have authority to act and the Central Government is only enabled under section 24 uponsotisfaction of its conditions to order seizures and detention. As the enactment presently stands, it excludes, therefore, the power of any other authority to take the measures indicated by, sections 22 to 24. 17. Even the so-called trap, as spoken to by P. S. I. Punjabrao and the panch, is highly inadequate so as to answer the requirements of section 19. As the enactment presently stands, it excludes, therefore, the power of any other authority to take the measures indicated by, sections 22 to 24. 17. Even the so-called trap, as spoken to by P. S. I. Punjabrao and the panch, is highly inadequate so as to answer the requirements of section 19. Firstly, P. S. I. Punjabrao states that he had asked his constable to cross aver the other State .of Madhya Pradesh, go to village Pachari, approach the accused and ask them to bring the weapons for sale at Ambaparwa. This is not what is contemplated by section 19. Even after the accused were so earning to the Dak Bungalaw near Ambaparwa, the evidence of Punjabrao shows that they were lying in wait far the accused and as so on as the accused appeared they were arrested and then the seizures were effected to that effect is the evidence of Sambhaji and the panch Sukhdea. 18. All this has to be appreciated to find out whether the procedure and everything before the Court is in accordance, with the provisions of section 19 of the Act. That provision lays dawn the power as well as the procedure. As stated earlier, it confers the authority an the police officer to demand the production of the licence from a person who was carrying any arm and ammunition and, secondly, if that person refused or failed to produce the licence or to show that he was entitled to carry such arm without a licence, the officer is enabled to require him to give his name and address and then effect the seizure of arms or ammunition. Such person can be arrested with out warrant only if he refuses to give his name and address or that the officer is of the view that such person is giving a false name or address or is intending to abscond, There is, however, no power to effect arrest in any other contingency. 19. This power and this procedure is the totality of the power available under the Act which is being relied upon far the prosecution. Evidence indicates that P. S. I. Punjabrao acted not in conformity but almost by motivation which cannot be raised to the pedestal of the legal power and procedure. 19. This power and this procedure is the totality of the power available under the Act which is being relied upon far the prosecution. Evidence indicates that P. S. I. Punjabrao acted not in conformity but almost by motivation which cannot be raised to the pedestal of the legal power and procedure. It is difficult, therefore, to sanction the procedure followed by P. S. I. Punjabrao in laying dawn the trap, in getting the accused from the neighboring State into the home-State in this manner and then, without following the procedure required by section 19 which must mean that he must give the accused opportunity to produce the licence or to explain that no licence is required, in seizing the articles and further effecting arrest with out warrant. 20. May be, the P. S. I. was inspired by bona fide motives so as to go to the root of a dangerous industry which may thre3ten peace and order. That is however no reason to uphold the conviction .of the accused. 21. As stated in the first part of the judgment, the basic question has not been satisfactorily established and that is enough to hold that the prosecution has failed to establish the guilt of the accused under section 3 read with section 25 (a) of the Arms Act. As the accused are not claiming the articles seized during the investigation by P. S. I. Punjabrao, the some are liable to be confiscated to the State. 22. In the result, all these three applications are allowed and the accused applicants are acquitted of the offence with which they were charged. The bail bands of the accused-applicants would stand cancelled. The articles seized from the accused-applicants shall be confiscated to the State. 23. In view of the observations made in this judgment regarding the property of laying such traps, involving the violation of the authority of the neighbouring friendly State, it is directed that copy of this judgment be sent for information to the Home Department of the State of Maharashtra as well the Home Department of the State of Madhya Pradesh for information. Revision applications allowed.