Army officer Khushboo Patani. (DC)

On Sunday, former Army officer Khushboo Patani took to Instagram to demonstrate how an air pistol works and urge women to learn to use one for self-defence. Explaining that it uses CO2 to propel a pellet rather than gunpowder or a conventional cartridge, she encouraged women to seek professional training at a nearby shooting range. “You can buy this, keep this with yourself and protect yourself; don’t depend on anyone. Otherwise, what’s happening in India will not end. It costs Rs 60,000-70,000 and it’s good. You can train to use this in your nearby shooting range,” she said.

Her suggestion has added a new dimension to the conversation around women’s safety. From pepper spray and personal alarms to safety apps and martial arts, women have several options to protect themselves. But does carrying an air pistol offer genuine protection, or could it create a false sense of security?

A WEAPON IS NO GUARANTEE OF SAFETY

Dr Soumya Mishra, IPS, Director General of Prisons & Correctional Services, believes that carrying a weapon without adequate preparation could prove counterproductive. “Not necessarily so. Unless one has trained very well and is under regular practice in addition to very good physical fitness, just carrying weapons with minimum required training may not provide safety. In fact, it may lead to unfortunate consequences like weapon snatching, counter use or other legal problems when used unwarrantedly in panic situation,” she says. Mishra advises women to prioritise avoiding danger, escaping and raising an alarm rather than confronting an attacker. If escape is not possible, they must draw on their physical and psychological coping skills to deal with the threat.

TRAINING IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

For women who choose to carry a weapon, a few introductory lessons are not enough. Regular practice, physical fitness and the ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations are essential, Mishra stresses. “I would advise them to be very very proficient in handling the weapon so that at anytime, even during high stress situation, she uses it correctly and properly. It is also essential that she has the physical and mental strength to safeguard the weapon/device so that in a critical situation it doesn’t pass on to the wrong hands in which case it will have disastrous consequences on her safety.” A weapon can become a liability if snatched, mishandled or used in panic. Training must emphasise responsible handling and knowing when to avoid confrontation, escape or seek help.

LICENCE-FREE DOES NOT MEAN CONSEQUENCE-FREE

Duvva Pavan Kumar, practising advocate and managing partner of The Law Chambers, explains under the Arms Act, 1959, air weapons are regulated as firearms.

However, the Arms Rules, 2016, exempt air pistols, rifles and guns with a muzzle energy of 20 joules or less, subject to prescribed bore limits, from licensing.

“The manner in which the air pistol is displayed or used and the circumstances surrounding the situation will decide if any legal problem can arise under the BNS,” he says.

Kumar notes that Sections 34–44 of the BNS, 2023, recognise the right to private defence, but within legal limits. Excessive or unjustified force may invite criminal charges, including under Section 118. The legality of using an air pistol depends on the threat, the force used and the circumstances.

THE REAL MEANING OF SELF-DEFENCE

Mishra stresses that women must fully understand the legal implications of possessing and using a weapon. “It is also very important and essential that she knows the legal aspects of weapon possession and use, very thoroughly and she uses it only and only for self-defence,” she says.

Patani’s video has reignited the debate on women’s safety and preparedness. Carrying a weapon may offer a sense of control, but effective self-defence requires training, discipline and legal awareness. Ultimately, safety is not just about the weapon, but the skills and judgment to use it responsibly.

BEFORE YOU ARM YOURSELF

· Get trained: Learn safe handling and practise regularly under professional supervision.

· Assess risks: A weapon can be snatched, mishandled or used against its carrier.

· Know law licensing: Exemptions do not provide blanket immunity for using an air pistol.

· Prioritise escape: Avoidance, raising an alarm and seeking help should come before confrontation wherever possible.

Legal categories generally exempt from licensing

· 177-calibre air rifles and pistols: Spring-piston, break-barrel or pneumatic models used for sport and target practice.

· CO2 air guns and BB guns: Compressed-gas models firing steel BBs or pellets, subject to prescribed technical limits.

· Airsoft guns: Low-power replicas firing plastic BBs; licensing requirements depend on their specifications.

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