Law Relating to Information Technology

Book Details

Chapter 1—Information Technology-Electronic Commerce—An Introduction

1.1 Introduction	1
1.2 Information Technology Act based on UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce	2
1.3 Electronic communication and storage of information	2
1.4 Internet as a technology	4
1.5 Computer communication-TCP/IP communication protocols	6
1.6 Internet operation	8
1.7 Internet Service Provider (ISP)	8
1.8 Client/server computing	9
1.9 Internet application service 10
1.9.1 Electronic mail (E-mail)	10
1.9.2 File transfer	10
1.9.3 WWW or Web	11
1.10 Internet-e-commerce	11
1.10.1 Data protection in e-commerce	�	12

Chapter 2—Electronic Data Exchange (EDI) and Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce)

2.1 Introduction	13
2.2 Electronic commerce	14
2.3 Electronic commerce-Application	15
2.4 Electronic commerce-Application-Aspects	16
2.4.1 Electronic commerce-Application-Doing business	16
2.5 Electronic data interchange (EDI)	17
2.6 Electronic payment	19
2.7 Confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of transactions	19
2.8 Electronic commerce Indian law	20

Chapter 3—Information Technology-UNCITRAL Model Law

3.1 Introduction	22
3.2 UNCITRAL Model Law Objective and scope	23
3.3 UNCITRAL Model Law-Scope	24
3.4 UNCITRAL Model Law-Structure	25
3.5 UNCITRAL Model Law-Approach (Functional equivalent)	25
3.6 UNCITRAL Model Law-Application of legal requirements of data message	26
3.7 UNCITRAL Model Law – Communication of data message,concept of agreement	27
3.8 UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures (2001)	28

Chapter 4—Information Technology Act-an Overview

4.1 Introduction	30
4.2 Electronic Commerce-Better way of doing business	30
4.3 Information Technology Act-Key elements	31
4.4 Information Technology Act-Certification and monitoring	32
4.5 Information Technology Act-Filing of documents with Government agencies	33
4.6 Information Technology Act-Prevention of Crimes	33
4.7 Information Technology Act-Security of data	33
4.8 Information Technology Act Scheme	34

Chapter 5—Information Technology Act-Scope

5.1 Introduction	39
5.2 Object	39
5.3 Applicability	40
5.3.1 Commercial – meaning	40
5.4 Applicability-Exceptions	41
5.4.1 Negotiable instrument	42
5.4.2 Will	43
5.4.3 Trust	44
5.4.4 Power of attorney	44
5.5 Contract for the sale or conveyance of immovable property	44
5.5.1 Immovable property-Sale	45
5.5.2 Immovable property Conveyance	45
5.5.3 Immovable property-Contract for sale or conveyance	46

Chapter 6—Electronic Signature and Digital Signature

6.1 Introduction	47
6.2 Handwritten signatures-functions	47
6.2.1 Digital signature Functions	48
6.3 Authentication – meaning	49
6.4 Signature Meaning	50
6.4.1 Variants of signature	51
6.4.2 Test for “signature� – intention to authenticate	51
6.5 Signature-writing	52
6.6 Signature Functions and Legal significance	53
6.7 Signature-Non est factum	54
6.8 Signature Attributes	56
6.9 Signature-Affixing	56
6.10 Digital signature	57
6.11 Digital signature-cryptography	58
6.11.1 Digital signature-“asymmetric cryptography� (Public Key Cryptography )	59
6.11.2 Hash Function	61
6.12 Digital signature-creation	62
6.13 Digital signature-Verification	62
6.13.1 Digital signature certificate to verify digital signature	63
6.13.2 Verification of digital signature certificate	64
6.13.3 Digital certificate-Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)	64
6.14 Summary of the digital signature process	65
6.15 Digital signature-Legal purpose	67
6.16 Electronic Signature	68
6.17 Electronic signature and digital signature-distinction	70
6.18 Electronic signature as defined under Information Technology Act	71
6.18.1 Reliability of authentication technique	71
6.19 Authentication technique as specified in Second Schedule	72
6.19.1 The procedure for e-authentication technique using Aadhaar or other e-KYC services is as follows:	72
6.19.2 Procedure for e-authentication technique and procedure for creating and accessing subscriber’s signature key facilitated by trusted third party	73
6.20 Secure electronic signature and secure electronic record	74
6.20.1 Evidentiary presumption	74
6.20.2 Secure electronic records	74
6.20.3 Secure digital signature	75

Chapter 7—Electronic Governance

7.1 Introduction	77
7.2 Paperless trading conducted through computers	78
7.3 Electronic Governance rules as provided under Chapter III	79
7.4 Electronic records-Legal recognition	79
7.5 Electronic signature – legal recognition	80
7.6 Legal recognition of electronic form of dealing	81
7.7 Electronic record and electronic signature-Use in Government and its agencies	82
7.8 Delivery of services by service provider	83
7.8.1 System and notification of Electronic Service Delivery	83
7.8.2 Responsibility of service provider for financial management and accounting	84
7.8.3 Audit of the Information System and Accounts	85
7.9 Retention of electronic records	85
7.10 Publication of rules and regulations in Electronic Gazette	87
7.11 Electronic documents Acceptance-Restriction of rights	87
7.12 Rules in respect of electronic signature	87
7.13 Validity of contracts formed through electronic means	87
7.14 Digital Signature-Certifying Authorities Rules-Manner of creation and verification	88
7.15 EDI messages – “functional-equivalent� approach	91

Chapter 8—Contract Formation

8.1 Introduction	93
8.2 Indian Contract Act, 1872-Some features	94
8.2.1 Contract-Valid agreement, ingredients	94
8.2.2 Contract ingredients-Free consent	94
8.2.2a Coercion	94
8.2.2b Undue influence	95
8.2.2c Fraud	95
8.2.2d Misrepresentation	96
8.2.2e Mistake	96
8.2.3 Lawful consideration and object	96
8.2.4 Void agreements	97
8.2.5 Contract –Legally enforceable	97
8.2.5a Capacity to contract	97
8.2.5b Intention to contract	97
8.2.5c Consensus ad idem	97
8.2.5d Valuable consideration	97
8.2.5e Legality of purpose	98
8.2.5f Certainty of purpose	98
8.2.6 Contract Place where concluded	98
8.3 Electronic contract Formation and validity	98
8.4 Electronic contract formation-UNCITRAL Model Law	99
8.5 Information Technology Act—Formation of contract and communication of data message	100

Chapter 9—Electronic Records-Attribution, Acknowledgement and Dispatch

9.1 Introduction	101
9.2 Attribution of electronic records	101
9.3 Acknowledgement of receipt	102
9.4 Time and place of despatch and receipt of electronic records	103
9.4.1 Entry in the computer resource	103
9.5 Place of business and not the location of computer resource,relevant	103

Chapter 10—Regulation of Certifying Authority

10.1 Introduction	104
10.2 Controller of Certifying Authorities – Appointment	105
10.3 Controller of Certifying Authorities-Functions	105
10.3.1 Database of the disclosure record	106
10.4 Licence to issue electronic signature certificate	107
10.4.1 Application by any person	107
10.4.2 Performance bond-furnishing of	108
10.4.3 Application-submission	109
10.4.4 Application-manner of making	110
10.5 Licence grant (or rejection)-procedure	111
10.6 Grant of licence, conditions	113
10.7 Licence-renewal	117
10.8 Licence-suspension or revocation	117
10.8.1 Satisfaction of the Controller	118
10.8.2 Reasonable opportunity of showing cause	118
10.8.3 Incorrect or false statement	120
10.8.4 Failure to comply terms and maintain standards	121
10.8.5 Contravention of the provisions	121
10.9 Licence suspension	121
10.10 Licence, revocation or suspension, notice of	122
10.11 Recognition of foreign certifying authorities	122
10.12 Controller of Certifying Authorities-Powers	122
10.13 Controller’s powers like the powers of the Income-tax authorities	122
10.14 Controller not a court	124
10.15 Access to computer data	126
10.15.1 Reasonable cause to suspect contravention	126
10.15.2 Access for the purpose of search	126
10.16 Cyber Regulation Advisory Committee-Constitution and functions	127
10.17 Fee	128
10.17.1 Controller of Certifying Authorities-Grant of licence,form of application	128
10.17.1a Controller of Certifying Authorities-Grant of Licence-Criteria	130
10.17.1b Controller of Certifying Authorities-Grant of Licence-Issue	130
10.17.2 Controller of Certifying Authorities-Grant of licence,conditions	132

Chapter 11—Certifying Authority-Role, Functions and Duties

11.1 Certifying Authority—Role and functions	153
11.2 Certifying Authority -Duties	155
11.3 Certifying authority to follow certain procedures [section 30]	156
11.4 Certifying authority providing reliability in its services [clause (b) of section 30]	156
11.5 Secrecy and privacy of the electronic signatures [clause (c) of section 30]	160
11.5.1 Disclosure of digital certificate	164
11.5.2 Disclosure of certification practice statement	164
11.5.3 Disclosure of revocation and suspension of certificates	164
11.5.4 Disclosure of facts affecting -reliability	165
11.6 Communication of compromise of Private Key	165
11.7 Notification to party affected by adverse event	165
11.8 Certifying authority–ceasing to act as such notification to Controller	166
11.9 Audit of operation	167

Chapter 12—Confidentiality of Information

12.1 Introduction	168
12.2 Confidential information	169
12.2.1 Information having necessary quality of confidence about it	170
12.2.2 Information communicated in circumstances importing an obligation of confidence	172
12.2.3 unauthorized use to the detriment of the party communicating it	174
12.3 Confidential information – Information Technology Act	174
12.4 Breach of confidence	175
12.4.1 Breach of confidence even if no contract	176
12.5 Confidential information—Obligation of employee	176
12.6 Confidentiality of trade secret	178
12.6.1 Doctrine of “spring board�	180
12.7 Confidentiality–Data protection and right to privacy(fundamental right)	182
12.7.1 Data Protection right and right to privacy – distinction	183

Chapter 13—Digital Signature Certificates

13.1 Introduction	185
13.2 Digital signature certificate	185
13.3 Digital signature certificate -Purpose	185
13.4 Digital signature certificate -Issue of	186
13.4.1 Proforma for application	187
13.4.2 Requirement of rules	187
13.5 Generation of digital signature certificate	189
13.6 Digital Signature Certificate -Fees for issue of	189
13.7 Digital signature certificate -Attributes	190
13.8 Digital certificate – Contents	190
13.9 Digital signature certificate -digitally signed	191
13.10 Digital signature certificate – representations	191
13.11 Digital signature certificate – lifetime	192
13.12 Digital signature certificate—archival of	193
13.13 Digital signature certificate -suspension	193
13.13.1 Public interest-meaning	193
13.14 Digital signature certificate -Revocation	194
13.14.1 Compromise of digital signature certificate	194
13.14.2 Misuse of the digital signature certificate	195
13.14.3 Misrepresentation or errors in digital signature certificate	195
13.15 Other grounds for revocation	195
13.15.1 Opinion of the certifying authority	196
13.15.2 Material facts false	196
13.15.2a Material facts concealed	197
13.15.3 Non-satisfaction of requirement issuance of digital signature certificate	198
13.15.4 Compromise the security system or the private key	198
13.15.5 Revocation - Opportunity of being heard	198
13.15.6 Revocation Communication to subscriber	198
13.15.7 Revocation or suspension-Notice of	199

Chapter 14—Subscriber Duties

14.1 Introduction	200
14.2 Subscriber duty	200
14.3 Digital certificate Subscriber representation	201
14.4 Communication of compromise of Private Key	201
14.5 Digital certificate Subscriber obligations	201

Chapter 15—Information Security

15.1 Introduction	203
15.2 Information security - Meaning	203
15.3 Information security-Risk elements	203
15.4 Unauthorised access	204
15.5 Unauthorised use of computer system - Hacking	205
15.5.1 Network hackers	205
15.5.2 Crackers	205
15.6 Virus incidents	206
15.6.1 Viruses	206
15.6.2 Worms	206
15.6.3 Trojan horse	207
15.6.4 Logic bomb	207
15.7 Unauthorised disclosure of information	207
15.8 Denial of service	208
15.9 Information security Measures	208
15.10 Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)	209
15.11 Security measures	210
15.11.1 Security - Object-wise	211
15.11.2 Security - Risk management approach	212
15.11.3 Security – Identification and classification of risks	212
15.11.4 Security - Physical and operational security and information security	212
15.11.5 information management	213
15.11.6 System integrity	213
15.11.7 Security Audit	215
15.11.8 Security - Other measures	215

Chapter 16—Penalties, Compensation and Adjudication

16.1 Introduction	216
16.2 Offence - Civil and criminal action	216
16.3 Penalty – General concepts	217
16.3.1 Penalty is quasi-criminal	219
16.3.2 Penalty - Quantum depends on gravity of offence	220
16.4 Penalty and compensation for the damage caused to computer,computer system, or computer network	220
16.4.1 Any person	223
16.5 Offences committed if the access or modification is unauthorised	223
16.5.1 Computer	224
16.5.1a Computer - data processing device	224
16.5.1b Data includes information which is stored or processed in a computer	224
16.5.1c Information is processed data	225
16.5.2 Computer system	226
16.5.3 Computer network	226
16.6 Penalty - Damages by way of compensation	227
16.6a Person’s liability to pay damages	228
16.7 Penalty - Unauthorised access	228
16.7.1 Unauthorised excess would simply mean hacking	229
16.7.2 Unauthorised access by employees	230
16.8 Penalty - Unauthorised downloading, copying, etc.	231
16.8.1 Data	231
16.8.2 Database	232
16.8.3 Information	232
16.9 Penalty for disruption of computer functionality (other offences than unauthorised access)	232
16.10 Penalty—Introduction of computer contaminant or virus	233
16.11 Penalty for damage, disruption computer or denial of service	234
16.12 Penalty Denial of access (denial of service)	235
16.13 Penalty Facilitating access in contravention of the Act	236
16.14 Penalty for destruction computer resource	236
16.15 Penalty for stealing computer source code	236
16.16 Penalty for failure to furnish information and return	236
16.16.1 Failure should be deliberate	237
16.17 Penalty - Contravention of rules and regulations	237
16.17.1 Whoever contravenes	237
16.18 Compensation for failure to protect data	238
16.19 Penalty – Adjudication	239
16.19.1 Reasonable opportunity for making representation	240
16.19.2 Satisfaction of the adjudicating officer	240
16.19.3 As the adjudicating officer thinks fit	241
16.20 Factors taken into account for determining quantum	241
16.20.1 Shall have due regard	241
16.20.2 Factor - Unfair advantage quantification	242
16.20.3 Factors - Loss caused	242
16.20.4 Factor Repetitive nature of default	242
16.21 Adjudicating officer - Powers	242

Chapter 17—Appellate Tribunal

17.1 Introduction	244
17.2 Appeal to Appellate Tribunal	244
17.3 Appeal- Meaning	245
17.3.1 Appeal in the nature of rehearing	245
17.4 Preferring Appeal	246
17.4.1 Appeal preferring - Time limit	246
17.4.2 Sufficient cause	246
17.5 Any person aggrieved	248
17.5.1 Interim order not appealable, though party “aggrieved�	249
17.6 Appellate Tribunal- Order	249
17.6.1 Order- Meaning	249
17.6.2 Pass order thereon	250
17.6.3 Subject-matter of appeal	251
17.6.4 Order as Appellate Tribunal thinks fit	251
17.6.5 Opportunity of being heard	252
17.6.6 Appellate Tribunal Order within six months	252
17.7 Appellate Tribunal- Procedure and Power	253
17.8 Appellate Tribunal guided by “Natural justice�	253
17.9 Appellate Tribunal’s Powers	255
17.9.1 Summoning and enforcing attendance	256
17.9.2 Discovery and production of documents	256
17.9.3 Receiving evidence on affidavit	256
17.9.4 Issuing commissions	257
17.9.5 Dismissal of appeal for default or deciding it ex parte	258
17.9.5a Deciding ex parte	258
17.9.6 Power to review own decision	258
17.9.6a Review-meaning	259
17.9.6b Procedural review - ex debito justitiae	259
17.9.6c Review on merit	259
17.9.6d Review is not appeal	259
17.10 Proceeding judicial for certain purposes	260
17.11 Law of limitation applicable	260
17.12 Power to exercise discretion	261
17.13 Appeal to High Court	262
17.13.1 Question of law and of fact	263
17.13.2 High Court jurisdiction confined only to question raised	264
17.14 Recovery of penalty and compensation	264
17.15 Appellate Tribunal - Establishment and composition	265
17.16 Cyber Appellate Tribunal Appeal	265
17.17 Appellate Tribunal Power to make order as it thinks fit	266
17.18 Appellate Tribunal Order within six months	266
17.19 Appellate Tribunal Law of limitation -	267
17.20 Appellate Tribunal Proceeding judicial	268
17.21 Appellate Tribunal and adjudicating officer - Injunction on any action	268

Chapter 18—Offences - Cyber Crimes

18.1 Introduction	269
18.2 Object and purpose	270
18.3 Computer related offences and offences related to computer	270
18.4 Computer related offences - Civil or Criminal - “punishment� and “penalty�	273
18.5 Offence - Meaning	275
18.5.1 Offence Ingredients, basic	276
18.5.2 Offence - Failure to do certain Acts	278
18.5.3 Persons guilty of computer offences dealt with severely	278
18.5.4 Offence - Contravention committed outside India	280
18.6 Computer a target or a tool for criminal purposes	281
18.7 Tampering computer source document	282
18.7.1 Person shall be punishable	283
18.7.2 Person- Whoever	283
18.7.3 Computer source code	283
18.7.3a Computer source code required to be kept or when required to be maintained	285
18.7.4 Ingredients of offence	285
18.7.5 Concealing, destroying or altering the computer source code	285
18.7.6 Tampering intentionally or knowingly	286
18.7.6a Intentionally	286
18.7.6b Knowingly	286
18.8 Hacking of computer system	286
18.8.1 Offence under section 43 is civil wrong, while under section 66 criminal	288
18.8.1a Dishonestly	288
18.8.1b Fraudulently	288
18.8.2 Computer related fraud	289
18.9 Information theft	290
18.10 Cheating by personation	291
18.10.1 Cheating	291
18.10.2 Cheating by personation - Phishing	291
18.11 Violation of Privacy	293
18.12 Cyber Terrorism	293
18.13 Publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form	294
18.13.1 Ingredients of section 67	295
18.13.2 Obscene information - Tests	296
18.13.3 Lascivious	297
18.13.4 Prurient interest	297
18.13.5 Tending to deprave and corrupt	297
18.13.6 Cases	298
18.14 Publishing or transmitting of material containing or depicting children in sexually explicit act	299
18.14.1 Sexually explicit act or conduct- meaning	299
18.15 Offence - Failure to comply with the order of the Controller	301
18.16 Interception or monitor or decryption of information - Compliance of Government directions	301
18.16.1 Interception, monitoring and decryption – defined	302
18.16.1a Intercept; Interception device	302
18.16.1b Monitor; Monitoring device	302
18.16.1c Decryption; Decryption assistance; Decryption direction	303
18.16.2 Section 69 consists of three parts	303
18.16.3 Government power to direct interception etc. not absolute	303
18.16.4 Government satisfaction	304
18.16.5 Existence of reasons- Check on power of Government	304
18.16.6 Recording of reasons	304
18.16.7 Recording reasons in writing	305
18.17 Interception, monitoring or decryption - Government powerto issue directions	305
18.17.1 Sovereignty	306
18.17.2 Security of State	306
18.17.3 Public order	307
18.17.4 Preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence	308
18.17.5 Interception, monitoring and decryption - Procedure and safeguards	308
18.18 Blocking of information - Compliance of Government directions (section 69A)	310
18.18.1 Blocking for public access - Procedure and safeguards	310
18.19 Monitoring and collection of traffic data – Power of Central Government to authorise for	312
18.19.1 Monitoring and collection of traffic data - Procedure and safeguards	312
18.20 Protected System	313
18.20.1 Securing access or attempt to secure access	314
18.21 Information security practices and procedures	315
18.22 National nodal agency	316
18.23 Indian Computer Emergency Response Team	316
18.23.1 Response team - Two main functions	316
18.23.2 Cyber incident	317
18.23.3 Cyber security incident	317
18.24 Response Team - Functions and responsibility as defined under the Rules	317
18.24.1 Services provided	317
18.24.2 Interaction with stakeholder	318
18.24.3 Policies and procedure	318
18.24.4 Operations	318
18.24.5 Disclosure of Information	318
18.24.6 Calling for information for carrying out provisions of section	319
18.24.7 Directions for compliance	319
18.25 Penalty for misrepresentation or suppression of facts	319
18.25.1 Misrepresentation	320
18.25.2 Suppression	320
18.26 Penalty for Breach of confidentiality and privacy	321
18.26.1 Right to privacy	321
18.26.2 Privacy kind of interests	322
18.26.3 Privacy under Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023	323
18.27 Punishment for disclosure of information in breach of lawful contract	325
18.28 Penalty for publishing false electronic signature Certificate	325
18.29 Creating for fraudulent purpose	326
18.30 Offence or contravention committed outside India	326
18.31 Confiscation	327
18.32 Intermediary - Exemption from liability	328
18.33 Punishment for abetment of offences	329
18.33.1 Abetment – meaning	330
18.33.2 Instigation	331
18.33.3 Conspiracy	331
18.33.4 Intentional aid	332
18.34 Punishment for attempt to commit offences	333
18.34.1 Attempt- meaning	333
18.35 Examiner of Electronic Evidence notification	334
18.36 Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)	334
18.37 National Cybercrime Reporting Portal [NCRP]	335

Chapter 19 Compounding of Contravention and Offences

19.1 Introduction	336
19.2 Contravention- meaning	336
19.3 Ingredients of section 63	336
19.3.1 Any contravention under the Act	337
19.4 Compounding under section 77A—ingredients	337
19.5 Compounding of offence- meaning and effect	338
19.6 Compounding - Guidelines	339
19.7 Compounding - Discretionary power	339
19.8 Compounding-No further proceeding	339
19.9 Compounding-Not to extort money	340

Chapter 20—Cognizable Offence, Investigation, Search, and Arrest

20.1 Introduction	341
20.1 Investigation – meaning and concept	341
20.2 Offence – cognizable	342
20.3 Bailable offence	342
20.4 Search-Power of Police Officer	344
20.4.1 CrPC applies, so far as may be	344
20.5 Search - person is reasonably suspected of committing offence	345
20.5.1 Reason to suspect	345
20.6 Search - Person having committed or committing or about to commit	346
20.7 Arrest- meaning and purpose	348
20.7.1 Protection against arrest - Fundamental rights	349
20.7.2 Arrest and Criminal Procedure Code	350
20.7.3 Arrest- Directives by Supreme Court	351

Chapter 21—Burden of Proof, Presumptions, Evidence

21.1 Introduction	353
21.2 Burden of proof meaning and scope	353
21.3 Proof	354
21.3.1 Conclusive proof, presumptive or conditional proof	355
21.4 Evidence, meaning and scope	355
21.5 Presumptions of law or of facts	355
21.5.1 Presumption of Facts	356
21.5.2 Presumptions of Law	357
21.5.3 Rebuttable presumptions	357
21.5.4 Irrebuttable presumptions (conclusive proof)	357
21.6 Standard of proof	358
21.6.1 Burden of establishing guilt on-prosecution	359
21.6.2 Accused presumed to be innocent unless proved guilty	359
21.6.3 Reasonable doubt, meaning of	360
21.6.4 Proof or reasonable doubt need not be a perfect proof	361
21.7 Rules of proof and onus under the Information Technology Act	361

Chapter 22—Penalty and Prosecution (mens rea)

22.1 Introduction	362
22.2 Penalty and prosecution	363
22.3 Penal law under the Act departure from the traditional criminal law	364
22.4 Doctrine of mens rea	364
22.4.1 Mens rea culpable negligence, recklessness	365
22.4.2 Culpable negligence does not merely mean mere carelessness	366
22.4.3 Mens rea is not of general application in modern statutes	366
22.4.4 No mens rea, no crime is not applicable to economic crimes	367
22.4.5 Mens rea social welfare legislation or economic laws	368
22.5 Offence-Trial of an offence, cognizance and procedure of trial	369
22.5.1 Cognizance of offence	370
22.5.1a Prima facie case for commencement of proceeding	370
22.5.1b Sufficiency of ground for proceeding is not the test	371
22.5.1c Dismissal of a complaint is no bar to entertain the subsequent one	371
22.5.1d Cognizance of the offender and not of the offence.	371
22.6 Rule of proof	372

Chapter 23—Companies-Offences and Prosecution

23.1 Introduction	374
23.2 Offences Committed by Company – General Concepts	374
23.2.1 Offence by company-meaning	375
23.3 Offences by and punishment of company	376
23.4 Section 85—Deeming provision	376
23.4.1 Vicarious liability and identification theory	377
23.5 Persons liable to be punished	378
23.6 Company itself liable to be punished	380
23.7 Vicarious liability – meaning and concept	382
23.8 Rules relating to vicarious prosecution	383
23.8.1 Vicarious liability—strict liability	383
23.8.2 No vicarious liability unless the statute specifically provides	384
23.8.3 Specific averments	385
23.9 Person-In-charge of, meaning	385
23.9.1 In-charge of-Managing Director is presumed	386
23.9.2 Person-Responsible to the company	386
23.10 Vicarious liability-Defence	387
23.10.1 Due diligence – meaning	388
23.11 Specific averments that accused person was in charge and responsible	388
23.12 Conniving persons liable to be punished	391
23.12.1 First view–sub-section (2) is a rule of evidence	392
23.12.2 Second view—Sub-section (2) is a substantive offence	394

Chapter 24—Quashing Criminal Proceedings

24.1 Introduction	395
24.2 High Court Inherent Power-ex debito justitiae	395
24.3 High Court jurisdiction under section 482	397
24.3.1 Jurisdiction to quash proceedings is not to be exercised arbitrarily or capriciously	398
24.4 Factors considered for quashing	398
24.5 Situations for Court interference	403
24.5.1 Complaint does not disclose offence	404
24.5.2 Complaint frivolous, vexatious or oppressive	404
24.5.3 Interest of justice demands prosecution not to continue	405
24.5.4 Chances of success bleak	405
24.5.5 Complaint suffers from fundamental defects	406
24.5.6 Allegations patently absurd and inherently improbable	406

Chapter 25—Bar of Jurisdiction of Civil Court

25.1 Introduction	407
25.2 Ouster of jurisdiction of civil court-limitations	407
25.3 Court’s jurisdiction cannot be entirely excluded	409

Chapter 26—Information Technology Act-Overriding Effect

26.1 Introduction	412
26.2 Overriding provision-ingredients	412
26.3 Act shall have effect	412
26.4 Law for the time being in force	412
26.5 Notwithstanding	413
26.6 Information Technology Act being a special provision prevails over other provisions	415
26.6.1 Special law v. Special law	415
26.7 Non-obstante clauses in two statutes-generalia specialibus non derogant	417
26.7.1 Repugnancy-situations	418

Chapter 27—Information Technology-Protection of Actions

27.1 Introduction	419
27.2 Protection facilitates effective performance of duty	419
27.3 Protection of actions-Within the scope of official duty	419
27.4 Scope of official duty Tests	420
27.5 Sanction of the Government	421

Chapter 28—Rules, Regulations and Removal of Difficulties

28.1 Introduction	423
28.2 Rules and Regulations– Publication	423
28.3 Delegated legislation-Classification	424
28.4 Removal of difficulties	424
28.4.1 Removal of difficulties-Residuary power	425
28.4.2 Difficulties aliunde or extraneous difficulties not covered	425
28.4.3 Not a power to frame rules	426
28.4.4 Publication in the official Gazette	426
28.5 Rules—Power of the Central Government	426
28.6 Rules-Power of the State Government	428
28.7 Regulations-Powers of Controller	428
28.8 Rules and Regulations-Subordinate legislation	429
28.9 Justification	429
28.10 Rules and regulations-Scope	431
28.11 Rules and regulations-Legislative in character	432
28.12 Rules and regulations-Part of the Act	433
28.13 Rules and regulations-Subordinate to the Act	433
28.14 Rules and regulations-Conflict between statute and Rules	434
28.15 Rules, Regulations and Removal of difficulties-Laying before Parliament	434

Chapter 29—Glossary

29.1 Introduction	436
29.2 Terms and expression-meaning	436

Chapter 30—Interpretative Principles

30.1 Interpretation of statute, meaning of	461
30.2 Interpretation-General principles	461
30.3 Intention of Legislature	462
30.4 Rules of interpretation	463
30.5 Purposive Interpretation	466
30.6 Rules of interpretation – summing up	468
30.7 Casus omissus and ex visceribus actus	470
30.8 Strict interpretation	471
30.8.1 Penal provisions	472
30.8.2 Provision relating to Limitation	473
30.8.3 Exception	473
30.8.4 Legal fictions	474
30.8.5 Deeming provision	474
30.9 Interpretation-Internal aids	475
30.9.1A Preamble	475
30.9.2 Definition	476
30.9.2a Functions of a definition	476
30.9-2b Definition not meant to be exhaustive	476
30.10 Means	477
30.11 Includes	477
30.11.1 “Includes � may also have exhaustive meaning	478
30.12 “Means and includes �	478
30.12.1 “Means � and �includes �-Distinguishing features	478
30.13 Unless the context otherwise requires	479
30.14 Proviso	479
30.14.1 Interpretation of a proviso	480
30.14.2 Provided further	481
30.14.3 Proviso,whether refers to the last or all paras in a series of paragraphs	481
30.15 Explanation	482
30.15.1 Explanation, interpretation	483
30.16 Exception	483
30.17 Legal fiction and deeming provisions	484
30.18 Marginal notes and headings	484
30.19 Other expressions	485
30.19.1 Notwithstanding	485
30.19.2 Subject to	485
30.19.3 In accordance with	486
30.19.4 In addition to	486
30.19.5 In connection with	486
30.19.6 In (by) writing	486
30.19.7 In relation to	486
30.19.8 Pertaining to	487
30.19.9 In respect of –With respect to	487
30.19.10 Within	487
30.19.10A In and within	487
30.19.11 Namely, or that is to say	488
30.19.12 Under the Act	488
30.19.13 Otherwise	488
30.19.14 Without prejudice	488
30.19.15 As the case may be	489
30.19.16 So far as may be	489
30.19.17 Having regard to	489
30.19.18 “A �, �An �,�The �. �Any�	489
30.19.19 Where, when if	490
30.20 Mandatory or directory/Meaning	490
30.20.1 Whether a provision is mandatory or directory	490
30.20.2 Link between the broad principle of the statute and object of the particular provision is important	491
30.20.3 Consequences of non-compliance of mandatory and directory provisions	491
30.20.4 “May�, “Shall�	492
30.20.5 Negative or prohibitive word mandatory	492
30.20.6 Time limit for performance of a duty rarely mandatory	493
30.20.7 Provisions relating to avoidance of public mischief not mandatory	493
30.20.8 Procedural Rule not mandatory	493
30.20.9 Mode of performing a duty has to be mandatorily followed	494
30.20.10 Conditions of a provision should be mandatorily followed	494
30.21 External aids	494
30.21.1 Dictionary	495
30.21.2 Subject and object rules	495
30.21.3 Reference to other Acts	496
30.21.4 Words in popular sense	496
30.21.5 Words – General public	497

APPENDICES

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000

Chapter I : Preliminary

1. Short title, extent, commencement and application	501
2. Definitions	502

Chapter II: Digital Signature and Electronic Signature

3. Authentication of electronic records	505
3A. Electronic signature	505

Chapter III : Electronic Governance

4. Legal recognition of electronic records	506
5. Legal recognition of electronic signatures	506
6. Use of electronic records and electronic signatures in government and its agencies	506
6A. Delivery of service by service provider	507
7. Retention of electronic records	507
7A. Audit of documents, etc., maintained in electronic form	508
8. Publication of rule, regulation, etc., in Electronic Gazette	508
9. Sections 6, 7 and 8 not to confer right to insist document should be accepted in electronic form	508
10. Power to make rules by Central Government in respect of electronic signature	508
10A. Validity of contracts formed through electronic means	508

Chapter IV: Attribution, acknowledgement and despatch of electronic records

11. Attribution of electronic records	509
12. Acknowledgement of receipt	509
13. Time and place of despatch and receipt of electronic record	509

Chapter V: Secure Electronic Records and Secure Electronic Signatures

14. Secure electronic record	510
15. Secure electronic signature	510
16. Security procedures and practices	510

Chapter VI : Regulation of Certifying Authorities

17. Appointment of Controller and other officers	510
18. Functions of Controller	511
19. Recognition of Foreign Certifying Authorities	511
20. Omitted 512
21. Licence to issue electronic signature certificates	512
22. Application for licence	512
23. Renewal of licence	512
24. Procedure for grant or rejection of licence	513
25. Suspension of licence	513
26. Notice of suspension or revocation of licence	513
27. Power to delegate	514
28. Power to investigate contraventions	514
29. Access to computers and data	514
30. Certifying Authority to follow certain procedures	514
31. Certifying Authority to ensure compliance of the Act, etc.	514
32. Display of licence	514
33. Surrender of licence	515
34. Disclosure	515

Chapter VII : Electronic Signature Certificates

35. Certifying authority to issue Electronic Signature Certificate	515
36. Representations upon issuance of Digital Signature Certificate	516
37. Suspension of Digital Signature Certificate	516
38. Revocation of Digital Signature Certificate	516
39. Notice of suspension or revocation	517

Chapter VIII : Duties of Subscribers

40. Generating key pair	517
40A. Duties of subscriber of Electronic Signature Certificate	517
41. Acceptance of Digital Signature Certificate	517
42. Control of private key	518

Chapter IX : Penalties, Compensation and Adjudication

43. Penalty and compensation for damage to computer,computer system, etc.	518
43A. Compensation for failure to protect data	519
44. Penalty for failure to furnish information, return, etc.	520
45. Residuary penalty	520
46. Power to adjudicate	520
47. Factors to be taken into account by the adjudicating officer	521

Chapter X: Appellate Tribunal

48. Establishment of Appellate Tribunal	521
49. Omitted	522
50. Omitted	522
51. Omitted	522
52. Omitted	522
52A. Omitted	523
52B. Omitted	523
52C. Omitted	523
52D. Decision by majority	523
53. Omitted	523
54. Omitted	523
55. Orders constituting Appellate Tribunal to be final and not to invalidate its proceedings	523
56. Omitted	524
57. Appeal to Appellate Tribunal	524
58. Procedure and powers of the Appellate Tribunal	524
59. Right to legal representation	525
60. Limitation	525
61. Civil court not to have jurisdiction	525
62. Appeal to High Court	525
63. Compounding of contraventions	525
64. Recovery of penalty or compensation	526

Chapter XI: Offences

65. Tampering with computer source documents	526
66. Computer related offences	526
66A. Omitted	527
66B. Punishment for dishonestly receiving stolen computer resource or communication device	527
66C. Punishment for identity theft	527
66D. Punishment for cheating by personation by using computer resource	527
66E. Punishment for violation of privacy	527
66F. Punishment for cyber terrorism	528
67. Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form	528
67A. Punishment for publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act, etc., in electroni form	528
67B. Punishment for publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually explicit act, etc.,in electronicform	529
67C. Preservation and retention of information by intermediaries	529
68. Power of the Controller to give directions	529
69. Power to issue directions for interception or monitoring or decryption of any information through any computer resource	530
69A. Power to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any computer resource	530
69B. Power to authorise to monitor and collect traffic data or information through any computer resource for cyber security	531
70. Protected system	531
70A. National nodal agency	532
70B. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team to serve as national agency for incident response	532
71. Penalty for misrepresentation	533
72. Penalty for breach of confidentiality and privacy	533
72A. Penalty for disclosure of information in breach of lawful contract	533
73. Penalty for publishing Electronic Signature Certificate false in certain particulars	533
74. Publication for fraudulent purpose	533
75. Act to apply for offences or contravention committed outside India	534
76. Confiscation	534
77. Compensation, penalties or confiscation not to interfere with other punishment	534
77A. Compounding of offences	534
77B. Offences with three years imprisonment to be bailable	534
78. Power to investigate offences	534

Chapter XII: Intermediaries not to be Liable in Certain Cases

79. Exemption from liability of intermediary in certain cases

535

Chapter XIIa: Examiner of Electronic Evidence

79A. Central Government to notify Examiner of Electronic Evidence 535

Chapter XIII: Miscellaneous

80. Power of police officer and other officers to enter, search, etc.	536
81. Act to have overriding effect	536
81A. Application of the Act to electronic cheque and truncated cheque	536
82. Controller, Deputy Controller and Assistant Controller to be public servants	537
83. Power to give directions	537
84. Protection of action taken in good faith	537
84A. Modes or methods of encryption	537
84B. Punishment for abetment of offences	537
84C. Punishment for attempt to commit offences	537
85. Offences by companies	537
86. Removal of difficulties	538
87. Power of Central Government to make rules	538
88. Constitution of Advisory Committee	540
89. Power of Controller to make regulations	541
90. Power of State Government to make rules	542
FIRST SCHEDULE	543
SECOND SCHEDULE	543
THIRD SCHEDULE	545
FOURTH SCHEDULE	545

Chapter XIII: Miscellaneous

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES) RULES, 2000

1. Short title and commencement	546
2. Definitions	546
3. The manner in which information be authenticated by means of Digital Signature	547
4. Creation of Digital Signature	547
5. Verification of Digital Signature	547
5A. Verification of Digital Signature Certificate	548
6. Standards	548
7. Digital Signature Certificate Standard	549
8. Licensing of Certifying Authorities	549
9. Location of the Facilities	551
10. Submission of Application	551
11. Fee	552
12. Cross Certification	552
13. Validity of licence	552
14. Suspension of licence	553
15. Renewal of licence	553
16. Issuance of licence	553
17. Refusal of Licence	553
18. Governing Laws	554
19. Security Guidelines for Certifying Authorities	554
20. Commencement of Operation by Licenced Certifying Authorities	554
21. Requirements Prior to Cessation as Certifying Authority	554
22. Database of Certifying Authorities	555
23. Digital Signature Certificate	556
24. Generation of Digital Signature Certificate	557
25. Issue of Digital Signature Certificate	557
26. Certificate Lifetime	557
27. Archival of Digital Signature Certificate	558
28. Compromise of Digital Signature Certificate	558
29. Revocation of Digital Signature Certificate	558
30. Fees for issue of Digital Signature Certificate	559
31. Audit	559
32. Auditors relationship with Certifying Authority	560
33. Confidential Information	560
34. Access to Confidential Information	560
Schedule I: Form for Application for Grant of Licence to be a Certifying Authority	560
Schedule II: Information Technology (IT) Security Guidelines	563
Schedule III: Security Guidelines for Certifying Authorities	580
Schedule IV:	589
Form A: Application Form for Issue of Digital Certificate for Subscriber of Government and Banking Sector	589
Form B: Application Form for Issue of Digital Signature Certificate for Subscribers Other than Government and Banking Sector	590
Form C: Application Form for Issue of Digital Signature Certificate Through EkYC Based Identity Verification of Digital Signature Certificate Applicant	591
Schedule V: Glossary	591

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (OTHER POWERS OF CIVIL COURT VESTED IN CYBER APPELLATE TRIBUNAL) RULES, 2003

1. Short title and commencement	609
2.Definitions	609
3. Powers of Cyber Appellate Tribunal	609

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (USE OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND DIGITAL SIGNATURES) RULES, 2004

1. Short title and commencement	610
2. Definitions	610
3. Filing of form, application or any other document	610
4. Issue or grant of any licence, permit, sanction or approval	611
5. Payment and receipt of fee or charges	611

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SECURITY PROCEDURE) RULES, 2004

1. Short title and commencement	612
2. Definitions	612
3. Secure electronic record	612
4. Secure digital signature	612

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PROCEDURE AND SAFEGUARDS FOR INTERCEPTION, MONITORING AND DECRYPTION OF INFORMATION) RULES, 2009

1. Short title and commencement	614
2. Definitions	614
3. Directions for interception or monitoring or decryption of any information	616
4. Authorization of agency of Government	616
5. Issue of decryption direction by competent authority	616
6. Interception or monitoring or decryption of information by a State beyond its jurisdiction	617
7. Contents of direction	617
8. Competent authority to consider alternative means in acquiring information	617
9. Direction of interception or monitoring or decryption of any specific information	617
10. Direction to specify the name and designation of the officer to whom information to be disclosed	617
11. Period within which direction shall remain in force	617
12. Authorized agency to designate nodal officer	617
13. Intermediary to provide facilities, etc.	618
14. Intermediary to designate officers to receive and handle requisition	618
15. Acknowledgement of instruction	618
16. Maintenance of records by designated officer	618
17. Decryption key holder to disclose decryption key or provide decryption assistance	618
18. Submission of list of interception or monitoring or decryption of information	619
19. Intermediary to ensure effective check in handling matter of interception or monitoring or decryption of information	619
20. Intermediary to ensure effective check in handling matter of interception or monitoring or decryption of information	619
21. Responsibility of intermediary	619
22. Review of directions of competent authority	619
23. Destruction of records of interception or monitoring or decryption of information	620
24. Prohibition of interception or monitoring or decryption of information without authorization	620
25. Prohibition of disclosure of intercepted or monitored or decrypted information	621

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PROCEDURE AND SAFEGUARDS FOR BLOCKING FOR ACCESS OF INFORMATION BY PUBLIC) RULES, 2009

1. Short title and commencement	622
2. Definitions	622
3. Designated Officer	623
4. Nodal officer of organization	623
5. Direction by Designated Officer	623
6. Forwarding of request by organization	623
7. Committee for examination of request	624
8. Examination of request	624
9. Blocking of information in cases of emergency	625
10. Process of order of court for blocking of information	625
11. Expeditious disposal of request	625
12. Action for non-compliance of direction by intermediary	625
13. Intermediary to designate one person to receive and handle directions	625
14. Meeting of Review Committee	625
15. Maintenance of records by Designated Officer	625
16. Requests and complaints to be confidential	625
FORM	626

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PROCEDURE AND SAFEGUARD FOR MONITORING AND COLLECTING TRAFFIC DATA OR INFORMATION) RULES, 2009

1. Short title and commencement	628
2. Definitions	628
3. Directions for monitoring	629
4. Authorised agency of Government for monitoring and collection of traffic data or information	630
5. Intermediary to ensure effective check in handling,monitoring or collection of traffic data or information	631
6. Responsibility of intermediary	631
7. Review of directions of competent authority	631
8. Destruction of records	631
9. Prohibition of monitoring or collection of traffic data or information without authorisation	632
10. Prohibition of disclosure of traffic data or information by authorised agency	633
11. Maintenance of confidentiality	633

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (REASONABLE SECURITY PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES AND SENSITIVE PERSONAL DATA OR INFORMATION) RULES, 2011

1. Short title and commencement	634
2. Definitions	634
3. Sensitive personal data or information	635
4. Body corporate to provide policy for privacy and disclosure of information	635
5. Collection of information	635
6. Disclosure of information	637
7. Transfer of information	637
8. Reasonable security practices and procedures	637

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(INTERMEDIARIES GUIDELINES) RULES, 2011

1. Short title and commencement	639
2. Definitions	639
3. Due diligence to be observed by intermediary	640

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(GUIDELINES FOR CYBER CAFE) RULES, 2011

1. Short title and commencement	642
2. Definitions	642
3. Agency for registration of cyber cafe	643
4. Identification of user	643
5. Log register	644
6. Management of physical layout and computer resource	644
7. Inspection of cyber cafe	645
SCHEDULE-I: CYBER CAFE REGISTRATION FORM	646
SCHEDULE-II: STATE AND UT CODES	647

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(ELECTRONIC SERVICE DELIVERY) RULES, 2011

1. Short title and commencement	649
2. Definitions	649
3. System of electronic service delivery	650
4. Notification of electronic service delivery	650
5. Creation of repository of electronically signed electronic records by Government Authorities	651
6. Procedure for making changes in a repository of electronically signed electronic records	651
7. Responsibility of service provider and authorised agents for financial management and accounting	651
8. Audit of the information system and accounts of service provider and authorised agents	652
9. Use of special stationery in electronic service delivery	652

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (THE INDIAN COMPUTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM AND MANNER OF PERFORMING FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES) RULES, 2013

1. Short title and commencement	653
2. Definitions	653
3. Location	654
4. Authority	654
5. Functioning on 24-hour basis	654
6. Advisory Committee	654
7. Constituency	655
8. Functions and responsibilities of CERT-In	655
9. Services	655
10. Stakeholders	655
11. Policies and procedures	656
12. CERT-In operations	657
13. Disclosure of information	657
14. Seeking information, carrying out functions and for compliance in terms of sub-section (6) of section 70B of the Act	658
15. Directions for compliance	658
16. Report of non-compliance	658
17. Point of Contact	658
18. Dealing with non-compliance	659
19. Review Committee	659
20. Action for non-compliance of direction	659

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (NATIONAL CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION CENTRE AND MANNER OF PERFORMING FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES) RULES, 2013

1. Short title and commencement	660
2.Definitions	660
4. Functions and duties of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre	661
5. Manner of performing functions and duties	662
6. Advisory Committee	663
7. Research and Development	664

THE DIGITAL SIGNATURE (END ENTITY) RULES, 2015

1. Short title and commencement	665
2. Definitions	665
3. Manner of authentication of information by means of digital signature	667
4. Creation of digital signature	668
5. Verification of digital signature	668
6. Verification of Digital Signature Certificate	669
7. Digital signature standards	669
8. Manner of authentication of information by means of xml digital signature	670
9. Creation of xml digital signature	670
10. Verification of xml digital signature	671
11. The xml digital signature standards	672
12. The basic Syntax of xml digital signature and terms used in the rule shall be as follows, namely	673
13. Digital Signature functions Standard	674

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (INTERMEDIARY GUIDELINES AND DIGITAL MEDIA ETHICS CODE) RULES, 2021

Part I: Preliminary

1. Short Title and Commencement	675
2. Definitions	675

Part II : Due Diligence By Intermediaries And Grievance Redressal Mechanism

3. Due diligence by an intermediary	678
3A. Appeal to Grievance Appellate Committee(s)	683
4. Additional due diligence to be observed by significant social media intermediary and online gaming intermediary	684
4A. Verification of online real money game	688
4B. Applicability of certain obligations after an initial period	691
4C. Obligations in relation to online game other than online real money game	691
5. Additional due diligence to be observed by an intermediary in relation to news and current affairs content	691
6. Notification of other intermediary	691
7. Non-observance of Rules	692

Part III : Code of Ethics and Procedure and Safeguards in Relation to Digitalmedia

8. Application of this Part	692
9. Observance and adherence to the Code	692

Chapter I: Grievance Redressal Mechanism

10. Furnishing and processing of grievance

693

Chapter II: Self-Regulating Mechanism - Level I

11. Self-Regulating mechanism at Level I

693

Chapter III: Self-Regulating Mechanism - Level II

12. Self-regulating body

694

Chapter IV: Oversight Mechanism - Level III

13. Oversight mechanism	695
14. Inter-Departmental Committee	695
15. Procedure for issuing of direction	696
16. Blocking of information in case of emergency	697
17. Review of directions issued	697

Chapter V: Furnishing of Information

18. Furnishing of information

698

Chapter VI: Miscellaneous

19. Disclosure of Information	698
APPENDIX	698
CODE OF ETHICS	698
SCHEDULE	700
PART I	700
PART II	701

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (CERTIFYING AUTHORITY) REGULATIONS, 2001

1. Short title and commencement	703
2. Definitions	703
3. Terms and conditions of licence to issue Digital Signature Certificate	703
4. The standards followed by the Certifying Authority for carrying out its functions	706
5.Every Certifying Authority shall disclose	718
6. Communication of compromise or Private Key	719
FORM : COMMUNICATION OF COMPROMISE OF PRIVATE KEY	719

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES OPERATING UNDER A REGULATORY AUTHORITY) REGULATIONS, 2013

1. Short title and Commencement	720
2. Definitions	720
3. Recognition of Foreign Certifying Authorities which operate under a regulatory authority in that country	721

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES NOT OPERATING UNDER ANY REGULATORY AUTHORITY) REGULATIONS, 2013

1. Short title and commencement	724
2. Definitions	724
3. Criteria for recognition of foreign certifying authorities which does not operate under any regulatory authority	725

About the Author

D.P. Mittal

D.P. Mittal-D.P. Mittal is an advocate, tax and business law consultant. He has authored about two hundred articles in Indian and foreign magazines and journals and also books on various law subjects; some of them are as follows: Interpretation of Taxing Statutes, Wills, Deeds and Documents; Laws relating to Copyrights, Patents, Trade Marks and GATT; Business and Commercial Laws; Law of Arbitration, ADR and Contract in India; Indian Patents Law; Natural Justice, Judicial Review & Administrative Law; Law of Trade Marks; Law of Information Technology (Cyber Law); Law of Arbitration (2002); Indian Patents Law and Procedure (2002); Trade Marks Passing off and Geographical Indications of Goods - Law and Procedure (2002); Competition Law; Law relating to Sick Industries; Interpretation of Statutes; Law Dictionary

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Pages: 816

Language: English

ISBN: 9789356036178

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Book Details

CONTENTS

Chapter 1—Information Technology-Electronic Commerce—An Introduction

Chapter 2—Electronic Data Exchange (EDI) and Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce)

Chapter 3—Information Technology-UNCITRAL Model Law

Chapter 4—Information Technology Act-an Overview

Chapter 5—Information Technology Act-Scope

Chapter 6—Electronic Signature and Digital Signature

Chapter 7—Electronic Governance

Chapter 8—Contract Formation

Chapter 9—Electronic Records-Attribution, Acknowledgement and Dispatch

Chapter 10—Regulation of Certifying Authority

Chapter 11—Certifying Authority-Role, Functions and Duties

Chapter 12—Confidentiality of Information

Chapter 13—Digital Signature Certificates

Chapter 14—Subscriber Duties

Chapter 15—Information Security

Chapter 16—Penalties, Compensation and Adjudication

Chapter 17—Appellate Tribunal

Chapter 18—Offences - Cyber Crimes

Chapter 19 Compounding of Contravention and Offences

Chapter 20—Cognizable Offence, Investigation, Search, and Arrest

Chapter 21—Burden of Proof, Presumptions, Evidence

Chapter 22—Penalty and Prosecution (mens rea)

Chapter 23—Companies-Offences and Prosecution

Chapter 24—Quashing Criminal Proceedings

Chapter 25—Bar of Jurisdiction of Civil Court

Chapter 26—Information Technology Act-Overriding Effect

Chapter 27—Information Technology-Protection of Actions

Chapter 28—Rules, Regulations and Removal of Difficulties

Chapter 29—Glossary

Chapter 30—Interpretative Principles

APPENDICES

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACT, 2000

Chapter I : Preliminary

Chapter II: Digital Signature and Electronic Signature

Chapter III : Electronic Governance

Chapter IV: Attribution, acknowledgement and despatch of electronic records

Chapter V: Secure Electronic Records and Secure Electronic Signatures

Chapter VI : Regulation of Certifying Authorities

Chapter VII : Electronic Signature Certificates

Chapter VIII : Duties of Subscribers

Chapter IX : Penalties, Compensation and Adjudication

Chapter X: Appellate Tribunal

Chapter XI: Offences

Chapter XII: Intermediaries not to be Liable in Certain Cases

Chapter XIIa: Examiner of Electronic Evidence

Chapter XIII: Miscellaneous

Chapter XIII: Miscellaneous

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (OTHER POWERS OF CIVIL COURT VESTED IN CYBER APPELLATE TRIBUNAL) RULES, 2003

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (USE OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND DIGITAL SIGNATURES) RULES, 2004

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SECURITY PROCEDURE) RULES, 2004

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PROCEDURE AND SAFEGUARDS FOR INTERCEPTION, MONITORING AND DECRYPTION OF INFORMATION) RULES, 2009

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PROCEDURE AND SAFEGUARDS FOR BLOCKING FOR ACCESS OF INFORMATION BY PUBLIC) RULES, 2009

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (PROCEDURE AND SAFEGUARD FOR MONITORING AND COLLECTING TRAFFIC DATA OR INFORMATION) RULES, 2009

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (REASONABLE SECURITY PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES AND SENSITIVE PERSONAL DATA OR INFORMATION) RULES, 2011

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(INTERMEDIARIES GUIDELINES) RULES, 2011

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(GUIDELINES FOR CYBER CAFE) RULES, 2011

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(ELECTRONIC SERVICE DELIVERY) RULES, 2011

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (THE INDIAN COMPUTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM AND MANNER OF PERFORMING FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES) RULES, 2013

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (NATIONAL CRITICAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION CENTRE AND MANNER OF PERFORMING FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES) RULES, 2013

THE DIGITAL SIGNATURE (END ENTITY) RULES, 2015

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (INTERMEDIARY GUIDELINES AND DIGITAL MEDIA ETHICS CODE) RULES, 2021

Part I: Preliminary

Part II : Due Diligence By Intermediaries And Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Part III : Code of Ethics and Procedure and Safeguards in Relation to Digitalmedia

Chapter I: Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Chapter II: Self-Regulating Mechanism - Level I

Chapter III: Self-Regulating Mechanism - Level II

Chapter IV: Oversight Mechanism - Level III

Chapter V: Furnishing of Information

Chapter VI: Miscellaneous

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (CERTIFYING AUTHORITY) REGULATIONS, 2001

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES OPERATING UNDER A REGULATORY AUTHORITY) REGULATIONS, 2013

THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES NOT OPERATING UNDER ANY REGULATORY AUTHORITY) REGULATIONS, 2013

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D.P. Mittal

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