JUDGMENT Pankaj Mithal, J. -- Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Standing counsel for the respondents. 2. The grievance of the petitioner is that he has applied for firearm license vide application dated 17.10.2012 before the District Magistrate, Kaushambi, respondent no. 2 but the said application is not being considered. 3. It is noticed that every day several petitions raising similar grievance from practically all the districts are coming up before the Court which is not a good sign rather is indicative of the fact that the Licensing Authorities are either unable to devote time to these applications or are deliberately delaying the same. 4. In view of the aforesaid facts and circumstances, in the interest of justice a general direction is issued that all applications for firearm license should ordinarily be processed by the Licensing Authorities expeditiously preferably within a period of six months with the outer limit of one year from the date of receiving the same provided they are in order and there is no legal impediment in considering the same. 5. Let this order be sent to the Principal Secretary (Home), Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow for circulation to all the Licensing Authorities/District Magistrates. 6. The writ petition is disposed of.