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ARTICLE · 04 NOVEMBER 2025

The Data Protection Board Of India Under The DPDP Act, 2023: Structure, Composition, And Adjudicatory Process

King, Stubb & Kasiva
King, Stubb & Kasiva
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King, Stubb & Kasiva

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The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) establishes the Data Protection Board of India (DPB) as the central adjudicatory authority for privacy law enforcement.

IndiaPrivacy
Jidesh Kumar
Jidesh Kumar
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Executive Summary

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) establishes the Data Protection Board of India (DPB) as the central adjudicatory authority for privacy law enforcement. The Board is empowered to investigate breaches, adjudicate complaints, impose penalties, and enforce compliance orders.

The DPB is not a policy-making regulator but a quasi-judicial body, designed to provide speedy, independent, and specialised adjudication of data protection disputes. Its structure, composition, and process will directly shape how India's privacy law is implemented.

Introduction: Why a Dedicated Data Protection Board?

Traditional regulatory authorities in India (such as SEBI, RBI, and TRAI) combine policy, regulatory, and adjudicatory roles. In contrast, the DPB is envisioned as a specialised adjudicatory authority focused only on enforcement. This design reflects the government's intent to:

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