Introduction
On 6 December 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
issued the final Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for
Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 (Rules) replacing the
earlier draft released for public consultation on 28 August
2024.
Issued in supersession of rules 419 and 419A of the Indian
Telegraph Rules, 1951 (collectively, Existing Rules), the Rules
came into effect on the date of their publication. The Rules lay
down the procedure and safeguards for authorized entities to
conduct lawful interception of messages in telecommunication under
the Telecommunication Act, 2023 (Telecom Act).
Background
Under Section 20 of the Telecom Act, authorized agencies of the
Central Government or State Government can intercept or receive any
message or class of messages pursuant to an interception order.
Such interception orders can be passed upon the occurrence of any
public emergency or in the interest of public safety, when
