Information Technology Act Section 66C — Punishment for identity theft

CHAPTER XI OFFENCES

Cyber Law

Punishment

As the section puts it: “shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to rupees one lakh”

Summary

This section punishes anyone who, fraudulently or dishonestly, uses the electronic signature, password, or any other unique identification feature belonging to another person. The punishment is imprisonment of either kind (simple or rigorous) for up to three years, along with a fine that may extend to one lakh rupees.

Official Text

Whoever, fraudulently or dishonestly make use of the electronic signature, password or any other unique identification feature of any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to rupees one lakh.

Related Judgments

JUSTICE K. S. PUTTASWAMY (RETD.) vs UNION OF INDIA & ORS — Supreme Court of India (2018)
MUPPIDI LAKSHMI NARAYANA REDDY & ORS. vs THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH & ANR — Supreme Court of India (2025)
SHREYA SINGHAL vs UNION OF INDIA — Supreme Court of India (2015)