Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 10 FEBRUARY 2020

Cyber Crimes Under The IPC And IT Act - An Uneasy Co-Existence

Argus Partners
Argus Partners
Contributor
Argus Partners

Argus Partners

Argus Partners is a leading Indian law firm with offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata....

View firm profile
Explore more from Argus Partners

The term "cyber-crimes" is not defined in any statute or rulebook. The word "cyber" is slang for anything relating to computers, information technology, internet and virtual reality.

IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Vinod Joseph
Vinod Joseph
Deeya Ray
Deeya Ray
Author LinkedIn connections

Defining "Cyber Crimes"

The term "cyber-crimes" is not defined in any statute or rulebook. The word "cyber" is slang for anything relating to computers, information technology, internet and virtual reality. Therefore, it stands to reason that "cyber-crimes" are offences relating to computers, information technology, internet and virtual reality.

One finds laws that penalise cyber-crimes in a number of statutes and even in regulations framed by various regulators. The Information Technology Act, 2000 ("IT Act") and the Indian Penal Code, 1860 ("IPC") penalise a number of cyber-crimes and unsurprisingly, there are many provisions in the IPC and the IT Act that overlap with each other.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Instagram’s 2026 AI Labelling Rules

Instagram's 2026 policy shift introduces mandatory AI-generated profile labels and penalties for non-disclosure, creating new compliance challenges at the intersection of platform governance and India's statutory framework for synthetically generated information. How do these overlapping regimes affect brands, influencers, and content creators operating in India's digital ecosystem?
IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA)
Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA)
Article

Instagram’s 2026 AI Labelling Rules: What Brands, Influencers And Creators In India Need To Know

On 31 August 2026, Instagram renamed its “AI creator” badge as the “AI-generated profile” label and announced that accounts featuring an AI-generated person without the label may see their reach limited. Seven weeks on, the question I hear most from clients, whether they are brands, agencies or individual creators, is a fair one: is this merely a platform housekeeping matter, or does it carry legal consequences in India?
IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Legitpro Law
Legitpro Law
Article

Telegram Ban In India – The Rise Of Digital Sovereignty

The Delhi High Court's landmark ruling in Telegram FZ LLC v. Union of India addresses whether Section 69A of the IT Act permits the government to block an entire platform rather than specific content. Following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, where fraudulent channels circulated fake exam papers affecting millions of aspirants, the court upheld the Centre's power to impose a platform-wide ban on Telegram, sparking intense debate about the boundaries between examination integrity and digital censorship.
IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Hammurabi & Solomon Partners
Hammurabi & Solomon Partners
Article

The Promotion And Regulation Of Online Gaming Act, 2025 And The Promotion And Regulation Of Online Gaming Rules, 2026

The Act, the Rules and the OGAI are therefore simultaneously operational. The prohibition provisions under Chapter III of the Act, the criminal penalties under Chapter V of the Act and the institutional framework under the Rules are all in effect. There is effectively no formal compliance window for core prohibitions and penalties; stakeholders should treat the regime as immediately operational and adjust business models without delay.
IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
King, Stubb & Kasiva
King, Stubb & Kasiva
Article

Is Meta Still Just An Intermediary? Why India Is Rethinking Safe Harbour

In mid-September 2026, government sources said Meta Platforms’ Indian operations, Facebook, Instagram and Threads, should no longer be viewed merely as an “internet intermediary” but should also be treated as a “service provider,” arguing that the company’s monetised algorithms actively decide what content gets amplified, distributed and shown to whom. That is a government position, not a new statutory classification, and this article returns to that distinction below.
IndiaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
S.S. Rana & Co.
S.S. Rana & Co.
Article

Revision to EPF Wage Ceiling: Coverage, Contributions and the September Transition

The Indian government has raised the EPF wage ceiling from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month, effective mid-September 2026, creating immediate compliance questions for employers. How should contributions be calculated for the transition month when the change takes effect partway through the wage period, and what treatment applies to employees who become newly covered versus those already enrolled?
IndiaEmployment and HR
Argus Partners
Argus Partners
Article

Overview Of The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026

Argus Partners maintains offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru, providing legal services across India's major business centers. The firm operates under strict Bar Council of India regulations that prohibit solicitation and advertising, with this website serving purely informational purposes. Users must acknowledge that no attorney-client relationship is created through website access and should seek independent legal advice for specific matters.
IndiaCorporate/Commercial Law
Argus Partners
Argus Partners
Article

Cracking The Code II: The New Central Labour Rules At A Glance

India's Ministry of Labour and Employment has formally notified the central rules under four Labour Codes, introducing significant changes to wage computation, social security benefits, industrial relations frameworks, and occupational safety standards. These rules operationalise India's consolidated labour law framework with digital-first compliance, inclusive welfare infrastructure, and enhanced protections for women, transgender persons, and contract workers.
IndiaEmployment and HR
Argus Partners
Argus Partners
Article

GOBARdhan: India's National Unified Scheme For Compressed Biogas

India's compressed biogas (CBG) sector is poised for significant expansion through the GOBARdhan Scheme, a Rs. 237 billion initiative spanning 2026-2036. The scheme introduces six strategic components including assured offtake mechanisms, stable pricing frameworks, capital assistance, pipeline infrastructure development, credit guarantees, and ecosystem support funds. What opportunities does this comprehensive policy framework create for domestic and international investors seeking to participate in India's
IndiaEnergy and Natural Resources
Argus Partners
Argus Partners
Article

Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026

Argus Partners maintains offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru, providing legal services across India's major business centers. The firm operates under strict Bar Council of India regulations regarding solicitation and advertising, requiring users to acknowledge specific disclaimers before accessing information. Contact details and physical addresses are provided for each office location.
IndiaCorporate/Commercial Law
Argus Partners
Argus Partners