Section 66A, IT Act 2000 [S10-3ZN]
As at 7 September 2026. struck down from 27 October 2009 by Information Technology Act, 2000 [A10-1GP].
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; or
(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.
Defined terms in this text (7)
addressee: Section 2(1)(b), IT Act 2000: "addressee" means a person who is intended by the originator to receive the electronic record but does not include any intermediary;
computer: Section 2, IT Act 2000 [S103YQ] ((1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— [...]): "computer" means any electronic, magnetic, optical or other high-speed data processing device or system which performs logical, arithmetic and memory functions, and includes all input, output, processing, storage, software or communication facilities connected or related to it [...]
computer resource: Section 2(1)(k), IT Act 2000: "computer resource" means computer, computer system, computer network, data, computer data base or software;
electronic record: Section 2, IT Act 2000 [S103YQ] ((1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— [...]): "electronic record" means data, record or data generated, image or sound stored, received or sent in an electronic form or micro film or computer generated micro fiche
electronic record: 3 more definitions.
person: Section 3, General Clauses Act, 1897 [S100SN] (In this Act, and in all Central Acts and Regulations made after the commencement of this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context): "person" shall include any company or association or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not
person: 1 more definition.
recipient: Section 2(93), Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017: "recipient" of supply of goods or services or both, means— (a) where a consideration is payable for the supply of goods or services or both, the person who is liable to pay that consideration; (b) where no consideration is payable for the supply of goods, the person to whom the goods are delivered or made available, or to whom possession or use of the goods is given or made available; and (c) where no consideration is payable for the supply of a service, the person to whom the service is rendered, and any reference to a person to whom a supply is made shall be construed as a reference to the recipient of the supply and shall include an agent acting as such on behalf of the recipient in relation to the goods or services or both supplied;
year: Section 3, General Clauses Act, 1897 [S100SN] (In this Act, and in all Central Acts and Regulations made after the commencement of this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context): "year" shall mean a year reckoned according to the British calendar
Made under this section, or naming it (0)
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Cited by (0)
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Not held (0)
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Duties published under this section (0)
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