65. Tampering with computer source documents.–Whoever knowingly or intentionally conceals,
destroys or alters or intentionally or knowingly causes another to conceal, destroy, or alter any computer
source code used for a computer, computer programme, computer system or computer network, when the
computer source code is required to be kept or maintained by law for the time being in force, shall be
punishable with imprisonment up to three years, or with fine which may extend up to two lakh rupees, or
with both.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, ―computer source code‖ means the listing of
programmes, computer commands, design and layout and programme analysis of computer resource in
any form.
6
[66. Computer related offences.–If any person, dishonestly or fraudulently, does any act referred to
in section 43, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or
with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees or with both.
1. Subs. by Act 7 of 2017, s. 169, for ―Cyber Appellate Tribunal‖ (w.e.f. 26-5-2017).
2. Subs. by notification No. S.O. 1015(E) (w.e.f. 19-9-2002).
3. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 31, for ―penalty‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
4. Subs. by s. 31, ibid., for ―penalty imposed‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
5. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for ―Digital Signature‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
6. Subs. by s. 32, ibid., for sections 66 and 67 (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
24
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section,–
(a) the word ―dishonestly‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 24 of the Indian Penal
Code (45 of 1860);
(b) the word ―fraudulently‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 25 of the Indian Penal
Code (45 of 1860).
1
[66A. Punishment for sending offensive messages through communication service, etc.–Any
person who sends, by means of a computer resource or a communication device,–
(a) any information that is grossly offensive or has menacing character; or
(b) any information which he knows to be false, but for the purpose of causing annoyance,
inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred or ill will,
persistently by making use of such computer resource or a communication device;
(c) any electronic mail or electronic mail message for the purpose of causing annoyance or
inconvenience or to deceive or to mislead the addressee or recipient about the origin of such
messages,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, terms ―electronic mail‖ and ―electronic mail message‖
means a message or information created or transmitted or received on a computer, computer system,
computer resource or communication device including attachments in text, image, audio, video and any
other electronic record, which may be transmitted with the message.]
66B. Punishment for dishonestly receiving stolen computer resource or communication
device.–Whoever dishonestly receive or retains any stolen computer resource or communication device
knowing or having reason to believe the same to be stolen computer resource or communication device,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years or
with fine which may extend to rupees one lakh or with both.
66C. Punishment for identity theft.–Whoever, fraudulently or dishonestly make use of the
electronic signature, password or any other unique identification feature of any other person, shall be
punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall
also be liable to fine which may extend to rupees one lakh.
66D. Punishment for cheating by personation by using computer resource.–Whoever, by means of
any communication device or computer resource cheats by personation, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to
fine which may extend to one lakh rupees.
66E. Punishment for violation of privacy.–Whoever, intentionally or knowingly captures, publishes
or transmits the image of a private area of any person without his or her consent, under circumstances
violating the privacy of that person, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three years
or with fine not exceeding two lakh rupees, or with both.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section–
(a) ―transmit‖ means to electronically send a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a
person or persons;
(b) ―capture‖, with respect to an image, means to videotape, photograph, film or record by any
means;
(c) ―private area‖ means the naked or undergarment clad genitals, public area, buttocks or female
breast:
(d) ―publishes‖ means reproduction in the printed or electronic form and making it available for
public;
1. Section 66A has been struck down by Supreme Court’s Order dated 24th March, 2015 in the Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India,
AIR 2015 SC. 1523.
25
(e) ―under circumstances violating privacy‖ means circumstances in which a person can have a
reasonable expectation that–
(i) he or she could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that an image of his private
area was being captured; or
(ii) any part of his or her private area would not be visible to the public, regardless of whether
that person is in a public or private place.
66F. Punishment for cyber terrorism.–(1) Whoever,–
(A) with intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India or to strike terror in
the people or any section of the people by–
(i) denying or cause the denial of access to any person authorised to access computer
resource; or
(ii) attempting to penetrate or access a computer resource without authorisation or exceeding
authorised access; or
(iii) introducing or causing to introduce any computer contaminant,
and by means of such conduct causes or is likely to cause death or injuries to persons or damage to or
destruction of property or disrupts or knowing that it is likely to cause damage or disruption of supplies or
services essential to the life of the community or adversely affect the critical information infrastructure
specified under section 70; or
(B) knowingly or intentionally penetrates or accesses a computer resource without authorisation or
exceeding authorised access, and by means of such conduct obtains access to information, data or
computer data base that is restricted for reasons of the security of the State or foreign relations; or any
restricted information, data or computer data base, with reasons to believe that such information, data
or computer data base so obtained may be used to cause or likely to cause injury to the interests of the
sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States,
public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an
offence, or to the advantage of any foreign nation, group of individuals or otherwise,
commits the offence of cyber terrorism.
(2) Whoever commits or conspires to commit cyber terrorism shall be punishable with imprisonment
which may extend to imprisonment for life.
67. Punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.–Whoever
publishes or transmits or causes to be published or transmitted in the electronic form, any material which
is lascivious or appeals to the prurient interest or if its effect is such as to tend to deprave and corrupt
persons who are likely, having regard to all relevant circumstances, to read, see or hear the matter
contained or embodied in it, shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description
for a term which may extend to three years and with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees and in the
event of second or subsequent conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may
extend to five years and also with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees.
67A. Punishment for publishing or transmitting of material containing sexually explicit act, etc.,
in electronic form.–Whoever publishes or transmits or causes to be published or transmitted in the
electronic form any material which contains sexually explicit act or conduct shall be punished on first
conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years and with
fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees and in the event of second or subsequent conviction with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and also with fine which
may extend to ten lakh rupees.
67B. Punishment for publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually
explicit act, etc., in electronic form.–Whoever,–
(a) publishes or transmits or causes to be published or transmitted material in any electronic form
which depicts children engaged in sexually explicit act or conduct; or
(b) creates text or digital images, collects, seeks, browses, downloads, advertises, promotes,
exchanges or distributes material in any electronic form depicting children in obscene or indecent or
sexually explicit manner; or
26
(c) cultivates, entices or induces children to online relationship with one or more children for and
on sexually explicit act or in a manner that may offend a reasonable adult on the computer resource; or
(d) facilitates abusing children online, or
(e) records in any electronic form own abuse or that of others pertaining to sexually explicit act
with children,
shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend
to five years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees and in the event of second or subsequent
conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and also
with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees:
Provided that provisions of section 67, section 67A and this section does not extend to any book,
pamphlet, paper, writing, drawing, painting representation or figure in electronic form–
(i) the publication of which is proved to be justified as being for the public good on the ground
that such book, pamphlet, paper, writing, drawing, painting representation or figure is the interest
of science, literature, art or learning or other objects of general concern; or
(ii) which is kept or used for bona fide heritage or religious purposes.
Explanation–For the purposes of this section, ―children‖ means a person who has not completed the
age of 18 years.
67C. Preservation and retention of information by intermediaries.–(1) Intermediary shall preserve
and retain such information as may be specified for such duration and in such manner and format as the
Central Government may prescribe.
(2) any intermediary who intentionally or knowingly contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1)
shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and also be liable to
fine.]
68. Power of Controller to give directions.–(1) The Controller may, by order, direct a Certifying
Authority or any employee of such Authority to take such measures or cease carrying on such activities as
specified in the order if those are necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act, rules or
any regulations made thereunder.
1
[(2) Any person who intentionally or knowingly fails to comply with any order under sub-section (1)
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
two years or a fine not exceeding one lakh rupees or with both.]
2
[69. Power to issue directions for interception or monitoring or decryption of any information
through any computer resource.–(1) Where the Central Government or a State Government or any of
its officers specially authorised by the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be,
in this behalf may, if satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, in the interest of the sovereignty
or integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public
order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to above or for
investigation of any offence, it may subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), for reasons to be recorded
in writing, by order, direct any agency of the appropriate Government to intercept, monitor or decrypt or
cause to be intercepted or monitored or decrypted any information generated, transmitted, received or
stored in any computer resource.
(2) The procedure and safeguards subject to which such interception or monitoring or decryption may
be carried out, shall be such as may be prescribed.
(3) The subscriber or intermediary or any person in-charge of the computer resource shall, when called
upon by any agency referred to in sub-section (1), extend all facilities and technical assistance to–
(a) provide access to or secure access to the computer resource generating, transmitting, receiving
or storing such information; or
(b) intercept, monitor, or decrypt the information, as the case may be; or
(c) provide information stored in computer resource.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 33, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
2. Subs. by s. 34, ibid., for section 69 (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
27
(4) The subscriber or intermediary or any person who fails to assist the agency referred to in
sub-section (3) shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and shall
also be liable to fine.
69A. Power to issue directions for blocking for public access of any information through any
computer resource.–(1) Where the Central Government or any of its officers specially authorised by it in
this behalf is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do, in the interest of sovereignty and integrity
of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for
preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence relating to above, it may subject to the
provisions of sub-section (2), for reasons to be recorded in writing, by order, direct any agency of the
Government or intermediary to block for access by the public or cause to be blocked for access by the
public any information generated, transmitted, received, stored or hosted in any computer resource.
(2) The procedure and safeguards subject to which such blocking for access by the public may be
carried out, shall be such as may be prescribed.
(3) The intermediary who fails to comply with the direction issued under sub-section (1) shall be
punished with an imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and also be liable to fine.
69B. Power to authorise to monitor and collect traffic data or information through any
computer resource for cyber security.–(1) The Central Government may, to enhance cyber security and
for identification, analysis and prevention of intrusion or spread of computer contaminant in the country,
by notification in the Official Gazette, authorise any agency of the Government to monitor and collect
traffic data or information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource.
(2) The intermediary or any person in-charge or the computer resource shall, when called upon by the
agency which has been authorised under sub-section (1), provide technical assistance and extend all
facilities to such agency to enable online access or to secure and provide online access to the computer
resource generating, transmitting, receiving or storing such traffic data or information.
(3) The procedure and safeguards for monitoring and collecting traffic data or information, shall be
such as may be prescribed.
(4) Any intermediary who intentionally or knowingly contravenes the provisions of sub-section (2)
shall be punished with an imprisonment for a term which any extend to three years and shall also be liable
to fine.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section,–
(i) ―computer contaminant‖ shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 43;
(ii) ―traffic data‖ means any data identifying or purporting to identify any person, computer
system or computer network or location to or from which the communication is or may be
transmitted and includes communications origin, destination, route, time, data, size, duration or
type of underlying service and any other information.]
70. Protected system.–
1
[(1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
declare any computer resource which directly or indirectly affects the facility of Critical Information
Infrastructure, to be a protected system.
Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, ―Critical Information Infrastructure‖ means the
computer resource, the incapacitation or destruction of which, shall have debilitating impact on national
security, economy, public health or safety.]
(2) The appropriate Government may, by order in writing, authorise the persons who are authorised to
access protected systems notified under sub-section (1).
(3) Any person who secures access or attempts to secure access to a protected system in contravention
of the provisions of this section shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term
which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.
2
[(4) The Central Government shall prescribe the information security practices and procedures for
such protected system.]
3
[70A. National nodal agency.–(1) The Central Government may, by notification published in the
Official Gazette, designate any organisation of the Government as the national nodal agency in respect of
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 35, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
2. Ins. by s. 35, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
3. Ins. by s. 36, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
28
(2) The national nodal agency designated under sub-section (1) shall be responsible for all measures
including Research and Development relating to protection of Critical Information Infrastructure.
(3) The manner of performing functions and duties of the agency referred to in sub-section (1) shall be
such as may be prescribed.
70B. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team to serve as national agency for incident
response.–(1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint an agency of
the Government to be called the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team.
(2) The Central Government shall provide the agency referred to in sub-section (1) with a Director
General and such other officers and employees as may be prescribed.
(3) The salary and allowances and terms and conditions of the Director-General and other officers and
employees shall be such as may be prescribed.
(4) The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team shall serve as the national agency for
performing the following functions in the area of cyber security,–
(a) collection, analysis and dissemination of information on cyber incidents;
(b) forecast and alerts of cyber security incidents;
(c) emergency measures for handling cyber security incidents;
(d) coordination of cyber incidents response activities;
(e) issue guidelines, advisories, vulnerability notes and white papers relating to information
security practices, procedures, preventation, response and reporting of cyber incidents;
(f) such other functions relating to cyber security as may be prescribed.
(5) The manner of performing functions and duties of the agency referred to in sub-section (1) shall be
such as may be prescribed.
(6) For carrying out the provisions of sub-section (4), the agency referred to in sub-section (1) may
call for information and give direction to the service providers, intermediaries, data centres, body
corporate and any other person.
(7) Any service provider, intermediaries, data centres, body corporate or person who fails to provide
the information called for or comply with the direction under sub-section (6), shall be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees
or with both.
(8) No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this section, except on a complaint made by an
officer authorised in this behalf by the agency referred to in sub-section (1).]
71. Penalty for misrepresentation.–Whoever makes any misrepresentation to, or suppresses any
material fact from the Controller or the Certifying Authority for obtaining any licence or 1
[electronic
signature] Certificate, as the case may be, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
72. Penalty for Breach of confidentiality and privacy.–Save as otherwise provided in this Act or
any other law for the time being in force, if any person who, in pursuance of any of the powers conferred
under this Act, rules or regulations made thereunder, has secured access to any electronic record, book,
register, correspondence, information, document or other material without the consent of the person
concerned discloses such electronic record, book, register, correspondence, information, document or
other material to any other person shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to
two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both.
2
[72A. Punishment for disclosure of information in breach of lawful contract.–Save as otherwise
provided in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, any person including an intermediary
who, while providing services under the terms of lawful contract, has secured access to any material
containing personal information about another person, with the intent to cause or knowing that he is likely
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 2, for ―Digital Signature‖ (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
2. Ins. by s. 37, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
29
to cause wrongful loss or wrongful gain discloses, without the consent of the person concerned, or in
breach of a lawful contract, such material to any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a
term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees, or with both.]
73. Penalty for publishing 1
[electronic signature] Certificate false in certain particulars.–(1) No
person shall publish a 1
[electronic signature] Certificate or otherwise make it available to any other person
with the knowledge that–
(a) the Certifying Authority listed in the certificate has not issued it; or
(b) the subscriber listed in the certificate has not accepted it; or
(c) the certificate has been revoked or suspended,
unless such publication is for the purpose of verifying a 1
[electronic signature] created prior to such
suspension or revocation.
(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be punished with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
74. Publication for fraudulent purpose.–Whoever knowingly creates, publishes or otherwise makes
available a 1
[electronic signature] Certificate for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose shall be punished
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh
rupees, or with both.
75. Act to apply for offence or contravention committed outside India.–(1) Subject to the
provisions of sub-section (2), the provisions of this Act shall apply also to any offence or contravention
committed outside India by any person irrespective of his nationality.
(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), this Act shall apply to an offence or contravention committed
outside India by any person if the act or conduct constituting the offence or contravention involves a
computer, computer system or computer network located in India.
76. Confiscation.–Any computer, computer system, floppies, compact disks, tape drives or any other
accessories related thereto, in respect of which any provision of this Act, rules, orders or regulations made
thereunder has been or is being contravened, shall be liable to confiscation:
Provided that where it is established to the satisfaction of the court adjudicating the confiscation that
the person in whose possession, power or control of any such computer, computer system, floppies,
compact disks, tape drives or any other accessories relating thereto is found is not responsible for the
contravention of the provisions of this Act, rules, orders or regulations made thereunder, the court may,
instead of making an order for confiscation of such computer, computer system, floppies, compact disks,
tape drives or any other accessories related thereto, make such other order authorised by this Act against
the person contravening of the provisions of this Act, rules, orders or regulations made thereunder as it
may think fit.
1
[77. Compensation, penalties or confiscation not to interfere with other punishment.–No
compensation awarded, penalty imposed or confiscation made under this Act shall prevent the award of
compensation or imposition of any other penalty or punishment under any other law for the time being in
force.
77A. Compounding of offences.–A court of competent jurisdiction may compound offences, other
than offences for which the punishment for life or imprisonment for a term exceeding three years has
been provided, under this Act:
Provided that the court shall not compound such offence where the accused is, by reason of his
previous conviction, liable to either enhanced punishment or to a punishment of a different kind:
Provided further that the court shall not compound any offence where such offence affects the socio
economic conditions of the country or has been committed against a child below the age of 18 years or a
woman.
1. Subs. by Act 10 of 2009, s. 38, for section 77 (w.e.f. 27-10-2009).
30
(2) The person accused of an offence under this Act may file an application for compounding in the
court in which offence is pending for trial and the provisions of sections 265B and 265C of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) shall apply.
77B. Offences with three years imprisonment to be bailable.–Notwithstanding anything contained
in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), the offence punishable with imprisonment of three
years and above shall be cognizable and the offence punishable with imprisonment of three years shall be
bailable.]
78. Power to investigate offences.–Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), a police officer not below the rank of 1
[Inspector] shall investigate any
offence under this Act.