Information Technology Act, 2000
Section 69 – Government power to intercept or monitor information
🔹 Short Note (Hindi)
Sarkar ko Section 69 ke tahat power hoti hai ki woh internet, calls, messages ya digital data ko intercept, monitor ya decrypt kar sake—jab national security, public safety, ya law enforcement ke liye zaroori ho.
🔹 Detailed Explanation (English + Hindi)
Section 69 IT Act Government ko authority deta hai ki wo kisi bhi computer system, device ya network me stored ya transmit ho raha information ko:
- Intercept (rok kar sunna/padhna)
- Monitor (nigrani rakhna)
- Decrypt (encrypted data ko kholna)
Ye power tab hi use hoti hai jab:
- Sovereignty aur integrity of India ko threat ho
- National security ya defence ka matter ho
- Public order disturb ho raha ho
- Cyber crime investigation chal rahi ho
- Terrorism ya digital conspiracy ka case ho
- Fake news, hate speech ya illegal content circulate ho raha ho
Government agencies jaise IB, NIA, RAW, State Police, ya CERT-In authorised ho sakti hain with proper written order.
🔹 Main Conditions
- Order sirf authorized officer (Secretary level) hi issue kar sakta hai
- Purpose hona chahiye – security, defence, sovereignty, public order, investigation
- Service providers / digital platforms ko comply karna hota hai
- Misuse punishable hai
- Oversight committee monitoring karti hai
🔹 Legal Meaning (Simple Terms)
Jab zarurat pade toh Government kisi bhi phone call, email, WhatsApp chat, browsing data, cloud storage ya social media conversation ko legally access kar sakti hai—agar reason strong ho aur procedure follow kiya gaya ho.
🔹 Example
Police ko terror investigation me suspicion hota hai ki ek suspect encrypted email ke through instructions le raha hai. Ministry of Home Affairs approval ke baad, us email account par intercept order issue hota hai under Section 69.
🔹 Key Legal Points
- Written authorization compulsory
- Service providers must assist (WhatsApp, ISPs, Telecom, Apps)
- Non-compliance se 7 saal tak ki jail ho sakti hai
- Privacy vs National Security ka balance rakha jata hai
- Supreme Court ne guidelines di hain (Puttaswamy judgment)
🔹 Nyay Neeti Advice
- Government surveillance bina reason ke allow nahi hai
- Aapki privacy fundamental right hai, lekin absolute nahi
- Agar illegal content post karenge, trace ho sakta hai
- IT companies ko data dena padta hai jab legal order ho
🔹 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Section | 69 IT Act |
| Authority | Central / State Govt |
| Powers | Intercept, monitor, decrypt information |
| Purpose | National security, law enforcement, public safety |
| Penalty for non-compliance | Up to 7 years imprisonment |
| Nature | Legal but regulated |
